Detection:
Bed bugs typically cluster together in favorable harborage areas, but some may live alone, away from the main infestation. The best way to detect an infestation is to carefully inspect areas where you sleep or rest. Check around box springs, mattresses, bed frames, tufts, folds, and buttons on mattresses, furniture such as desks and chairs, behind wallpapers, clocks, pictures, cracks in wood floors, and under carpet edges.

When traveling, also inspect your luggage and the spots where you usually place or store it at home. Although bedrooms are most commonly infested, other rooms like bathrooms, living rooms, and laundry areas can also be affected.

Look for dark blood spots or smears on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses—these are digested blood excreted by bed bugs during feeding. In severe cases, clusters of bugs, cast skins, and fecal spots become clearly visible upon close inspection.

Control Using Heat:
Washing clothes in hot water and drying them at temperatures above 122°F (50°C) for at least 20 minutes effectively kills all stages of bed bugs. This applies to clothes, curtains, fabrics, rugs, shoes, backpacks, stuffed animals, and similar items. For sterilization, drying a full load for about 30 minutes is recommended.

If unsure of your dryer’s temperature, consult a professional for proper testing.

Control Using Cold:
Exposing infested items to freezing temperatures (0°F or -18°C) for 7 to 10 days kills all bed bug stages.

However, placing infested furniture outdoors during winter is not always reliable, as temperature and duration may not be sufficient. Research indicates that exposing items to 0°F or lower for at least four days is necessary for effective control.