How do I know if I have bed bugs? How can I check for them?

Question

I read an article about bed bugs last night, and then could not sleep.

I do wake up with mysterious red, itchy areas, and they say bed bugs are a growing problem in my area (NYC)

Answer 1

They are not easy to find. I had bed bugs come into my home last year in bedding from a sleepover my son went to for a class mate. I looked and looked, nothing. I took everything off the bed including frame headboard etc...and I found a starting nest on the outter beam. It took several bombings, steamings of rugs, washing everything in HOT water and then I paid for an extra bombing only becuase I cannot deal with any bug...large or small...and I am an obsessive clean freak. The problem is gone but here is where to look: pick edging of carpet...look at your edges of mattress for black spots....do a night with flash light..if they bit you...they will be in clusters of three on upper arm, ankles torso. Good luck...getting rid of them is HARD but you can.

Answer 2

According to one web site I visited you have to search for them in all out of the way places. And look for them and their poop. Check out the following web site: http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/bed-bugs.htm ...Good Luck...