What do bed bugs look like?
- Reddish-brown in color
- Flat
- Oval-shaped
- 3/16-inch long
- About the size of an apple seed
What should I look for?
They often leave behind tiny, rust-colored stains that have a syrup-like smell, similar to soda pop. Look for these telltale stains:
- On mattress tags and seams
- On ceilings
- Under seat cushions
- Behind headboards
- In tiny cracks and crevices
- Around light switches
Where should I look?
Bed bugs like to settle close to their food source –you. During the day, they don’t live in the bed, but often hide within a five-foot radius of the bed:
- Under mattresses
- Under bed frames
- Near baseboards
- Behind picture frames
- In night stands
- Under buckling wallpaper or carpet
- Areas with excessive heat or moisture
How can I help reduce the chance of bed bugs?
- Clear clutter, which makes bed bugs harder to find or treat.
- If you receive second-hand furniture, make sure you’re not getting bed bugs along with it by inspecting for the aforementioned signs.
- Do not bring discarded furniture into your residence – there’s a reason it was left by, or in, the dumpster.
- Inspect your luggage after traveling, and for an extra precaution, dry your clothes on high heat.
- Inspect your residence regularly – especially after move-in or trips.
What should I do if I think I have an infestation?
Notify your property manager immediately.