How Can You Tell If You Have Bed Bugs?

Last updated: October 2026

The clearest signs of bed bugs are small, itchy bites in a line or cluster, tiny dark spots on sheets or mattress seams, rusty smears on bedding, shed skins, and live reddish-brown bugs about the size of an apple seed. Check the mattress seams, box spring, headboard and nearby furniture with a flashlight. Bed bugs hitchhike in luggage, used furniture and bags, so they show up more after travel and visits, which makes the fall and holiday season a good time to check. Treatment needs a professional protocol that reaches every life stage, including eggs.

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Where do bed bugs hide?

• Mattress seams, tags and piping.
• Box spring corners and the underside of the bed frame.
• Headboard cracks and screw holes.
• Nightstands, baseboards and outlet covers near the bed.
• Luggage, backpacks and couches.

Are bites alone proof of bed bugs?

No. Bites look different on different people, and some people don't react at all. Mosquito and flea bites can look similar, especially in Tampa Bay where mosquitoes stay active into the fall. Look for the physical signs, like spots, skins, eggs and live bugs, before deciding it's bed bugs. The U.S. EPA's bed bug guide has photos that help with identification.

How do bed bugs get into Tampa Bay homes?

They travel with people. Hotels, rideshares, airports, used furniture, dorms and visiting guests are common sources. Tampa Bay's busy tourist and snowbird season, which picks up in fall as the weather cools into the 70s°F, means more travel and more chances for bed bugs to hitch a ride.

What should you do if you find bed bugs?

1. Don't move to another room to sleep. That can spread them.
2. Bag bedding and clothes and wash and dry them on high heat.
3. Don't throw out furniture without sealing it first.
4. Skip over-the-counter foggers, which tend to scatter bed bugs deeper into walls.
5. Call a professional for an inspection.

How does Wise Owl Plus treat bed bugs?

Bed bug infestations need specialized protocols. We start with a free inspection, then use effective, family- and pet-safe methods that target bed bugs at every life stage, with follow-up visits to confirm they're gone. Bed bug treatment is part of our residential pest control service, and we also help hotels and rental properties through our commercial pest control programs.

Frequently asked questions

Can bed bugs live in a clean house?
Yes. Bed bugs feed on people, not dirt, so a spotless home can still get them.

Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
It's very hard. Eggs survive most DIY methods, and missed bugs restart the cycle. Professional treatment is the reliable route.

How quickly do bed bugs spread?
A small infestation can grow quickly, since females lay eggs daily. Early treatment is easier and faster.

Think you have bed bugs? Call 813-843-8881 to request your free inspection, or contact us online.