No one looks for bed bugs on sheets. You accidentally discover them, normally when doing something boring like putting fresh sheets on. Then you see some little white specks in and around the seam, too small to be certain, but too weird and persistent to ignore.
Mostly it is just lint or dried lotion. But if it is not, you want to know now, not next week. Here is how to spot a bed bug, and what you should do if you actually find one.
What are bed bug eggs?
Bed bug eggs are small capsules containing a growing bed bug encapsulated in an egg.
Spotting bed bug eggs can be tricky with the naked eye because of their small size. They are usually white or pearly-white, oval-shaped and approximately 1 mm in size. The eggs can cling to surfaces rather than scatter freely on your sheet.
But there’s good news too, if you find the bed bug eggs, they’re the simplest phase to deal with.
Where can you find bed bug eggs on your sheets?
Observe the locations where your sheets crease. Also look at the seams around your mattress and pillowcases. These might be small, hidden spots and difficult to notice during general cleaning.
Scrape your finger over your bedsheet gently with your fingernail. Lint and powder get removed. But eggs stay stuck. To get a better view, place your flashlight low against the fabric to see if you find small shadows. Your flashlight works as a magnifier, and you can use your phone camera to zoom in.
Where to look next?
The middle of a flat sheet is an unlikely spot for bed bugs in bed, as they prefer to stay hidden. So, check the seams of the mattress and tags, the underside of box springs, bed frame joints and pillowcase seams.
Other early signs of bed bugs
Eggs are difficult to find, so look for clues like:
- Little dark spots as if someone had tapped the fabric with a pen. These are droppings.
- Maroon stains from a bug you crushed in your sleep.
- Wasted, brown shells of bugs.
- Red itchy bites, frequently located on the neck, arms or hands. This can sometimes look like a bed bug bite.
Bites alone prove nothing, many other reasons can cause itchy welts. These are mixed signs and can be some of the early bed bug signs to look out for.
What to get rid of bed bugs?
Heat is your best tool. Store-bought sprays are not good on bed bug eggs.
Vacuum your mattress seams and bed frame, as well as the floor surrounding your bed. Bag and take out the vacuum contents carefully. Then bag your sheets so that nothing falls between them and the washer.
Use a hot wash cycle, follow the instructions on the fabric label for the hottest temperature allowed, ideally 140°F (60°C), and dry at high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Lastly, cover your mattress and box spring in a zippered cover and leave it on for about a year.
When to call the professionals, or replace the sheets?
Call pest control if you find live eggs, or you see signs in other rooms. Swap your bedsheet if they remain stained after washing and/or the fabric is worn down to the point where it would never survive a hot cycle.
One last thing you don’t want to miss
Bed bugs say nothing about how clean your house is. They trap themselves in suitcases, jackets, and thrift-store furniture. If you catch them early you might claim your things.
FAQs
- How long does it take for a bed bug egg to hatch?
It takes around 6-10 days typically.
- Can I identify bed bug eggs without a magnifier?
Sometimes, but they’re tiny. It helps a whole lot to use a flashlight.
- I wash my sheets, will that kill the eggs?
Yes, if the water is hot and you tumble dry on high temperature as well.