• Check for signs of bedbug infestation.bed image by Kirsten Alexander from Fotolia.com
  
  Bedbugs are tiny insects about the size of a poppy seed that feed on the blood of warmblooded animals, usually humans. Bedbugs seek out people and animals at night while they are sleeping, pierce their skin with an elongated beak and help themselves to a few drops of blood. During the day, bedbugs remain hidden close to where people sleep and are rarely seen. Although bedbugs are difficult to spot, there are signs that can indicate an infestation.
  
  

Suspicious Bite Marks

• Discovering unexplained bites on your body in the morning can be a sign that bedbugs have moved into your bed. Bedbugs usually leave three or four bite marks in a straight line or trail, which can also resemble flea and mosquito bites. The salivary fluid injected by bedbugs typically causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated, with localized itching that can last for up to several days.
  
  

Bedbug Feces

• A bedbug infestation can often be recognized by dark, reddish spots of bedbug excrement on bed linens, mattresses, mattress seams, furniture cushions, bedclothes, pillows, baseboards, curtains, loose wallpaper and other places bedbugs hide. Any cracks and crevices in bed frames and headboards should also be inspected for bedbug feces.
  
  

Bedbug Exoskeletons

• The bedbug sheds its light-brown shell, also called its exoskeleton, during the process of molting, which is part of its growth process. A new hard shell forms and the bedbug will be larger. Look for the bedbugs' exoskeletons in locations where they like to hide, such as in bedding, mattresses, linens, pillows, curtains, baseboards and furniture cushions. This is a strong indicator of bedbug infestation.
  
  

Unusual Aroma

• Bedbugs often leave an offensive musty odor from their scent glands when the infestation is severe. It is often described as an unpleasant odor, similar to the herb coriander.
  
  

Red Stains on Bedding

• Bedbugs are often crushed during the night while they're feeding. Red bloodstains that appear on bed linens, blankets and mattresses are signs of infestation.