The bed bug is a nightmare for people. Sufferers know the pain of having bed bugs in the room. The carpet is one of the safest hiding places for bed bugs due to its thick fibers, warmth, and textures.
These bugs burrow deep within the strands or along edges, making them a common hiding place beyond just beds. Besides, carpets are close to where people sleep or sit. It provides bed bugs easy access to feed on you at night.
Start by understanding the common bed bug signs on the carpet. Check bed bugs by gathering tools like a flashlight and magnifying glass, inspecting carpet fibers, edges, and under furniture, using sticky tape, vacuuming thoroughly, applying steam, and monitoring with interceptors.
Signs of bed bugs on the carpet
Tiny reddish-brown bugs
Adult bed bugs are flare, reddish-brown, and about 4-5 mm long. Small pale nymphs are juvenile bed bugs 1-3 mm in size and lighter in color. Seeing them crawling or staying on the carpet clearly indicates bed bug infestation. You will find them often congregated along carpet borders, and seams.
Dark fecal spots on fibers
Bed bugs leave behind their excrement (digested blood) with tiny, dark brown or black spots. You may find them as dots or smears on carpet strands.
Shed exoskeletons
Adult bed bugs leave behind their empty, light brown, or tan shells that accumulate in carpeted areas.
White, oval eggs
The eggs are 1mm in size, white, and oval-shaped. You will find them on carpet fibers or along edges.
Musty, sweet odor
A musty or sweet odor is a clear sign of larger infestations. The smell is caused by their pheromones and it grows as the infestation gets stronger.
Blood stains from crushed bugs
Bed bugs leave small reddish smears on the carpet if they are accidentally crushed. They get crushed when you walk or move on the carpet.
How to check for bed bugs in carpet
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Get a flashlight, magnifying glass, and gloves. Bed bugs love to move at night. Using the flashlight will help you find them easily. A magnifying glass will help you see the smaller bugs.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Remove furniture, rugs, and other items from the carpet. Vacuum the area lightly. If possible, remove the bed and couch for better preparation.
Step 3: Start at the Edges
Check the carpet borders near walls, furniture, and baseboards. Use the flashlight and magnifying glasses to check. Look at the seams or joints.
Step 4: Inspect High-Traffic Zones
Check high-traffic areas near chairs, beds, or couches. Look for the common signs of bed bugs mentioned above.
Step 5: Part the Carpet Fibers
Separate the carpet strands and examine for eggs or nymph.
Step 6: Look for Specific Signs
Search for all the common signs.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs on Carpet
- Isolate the infested area
- Vacuum the carpet
- Dispose of Vacuum Contents Properly
- Use soap water to kill the bugs
- Hire professionals to check and eradicate the bugs
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15+ years of experience working on bed bugs taught us a few things.
