From the Research
When documenting bed bugs, it is essential to focus on their physical appearance, behavior, and evidence of infestation, as outlined in the most recent study 1. The key characteristics to document include:
- Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, flat insects about 4-5mm long, with six legs and no wings.
- After feeding, they become swollen and more reddish in color.
- Document the location where bed bugs were observed, such as mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, or nearby furniture.
- Note any visible signs of infestation including live or dead bugs, shed skins (translucent exoskeletons), tiny white eggs (about 1mm), and dark fecal spots (digested blood) on bedding or surfaces.
- Record any bite patterns on the body, typically appearing as small, red, itchy welts in lines or clusters on exposed skin during sleep, as described in 1.
- Also, document any musty, sweet odor (often compared to coriander or raspberries) which may indicate a large infestation. Thorough documentation of these characteristics helps confirm bed bug presence, determine infestation severity, and guide effective treatment strategies, ultimately reducing the risk of morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life 1. Some studies have reported that bed bug infestations can cause diverse dermal reactions, stigmatization, poor self-esteem, emotional stress, anxiety, and significant adverse effects on quality of life 1, 2. However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the most relevant guidance on documenting bed bug infestations.