How to Kill Bed Bugs

Next to bug bites, these are some of the other signs that a bed bug infestation may be present.

• Eggs, eggshells, and molted skins. Shed bug skins from nymphs found in any likely hiding places can only prove that there were once bed bugs there. Eggs and eggshells are difficult to see because they are so small.
  Picture of bedbug skins

• Excrement. Bed bugs leave behind small dark brown or black spots, particularly in their hiding places, like seams of mattresses. Mattresses should be lifted and inspected to these spots if an infestation is suspected.
  Picture of bed bug excrement on a mattress

• Blood spots on sheets. Someone who is experiencing bites in the night may also see small spots of blood on their bed linens. As a satiated bed bug escapes from its sleeping victim, you may roll onto the bug or otherwise crush it in its mad dash from the scene of the crime. This will leave behind a spot of blood.

• Distinctive sweet odor. Though bed bugs are known to have a particular smell that has been likened to coriander, this is usually only present in extremely heavy infestations, as opposed to a light or moderate home infestation.