Spotting bed bug droppings is often the simplest way to catch an infestation early. These little dark spots—tinier than you’d think—are way easier to notice than the bugs themselves or other sneaky signs like bites or shed skins.
In Australia, bed bugs are a real headache in homes, sneaking into our beds and furniture without much warning. The good news is, they’re much simpler to tackle when you spot them right at the start. Understanding what do bed bug poop look likecan be your first line of defence, stopping these nasty critters from taking over your place and turning your sanctuary into a nightmare.
In this blog, you will read about what do bed bug faeces look like and how to get rid of them. Let’s have a look.
What Do Bed Bug Poop Look Like – How to Identify?
If you’re worried about bed bugs, learning to spot their droppings can help you catch an infestation early. Here’s what to look for:
- Colour – The droppings appear dark, ranging from a rusty brown to almost black. If you see bright red or blood-coloured spots, those aren’t droppings—though they could still signal bed bugs are present. The dark colour comes from digested blood, which is the only thing these pests feed on.
- Size – These droppings are tiny—just about 1 mm, roughly the size of a pinpoint. On your sheets or mattress, they’ll look like small ink dots. You’ll usually find them clustered together near where the bugs hide during the day.
- Shape – The droppings are fairly round and uniform in shape. How they look depends on what surface they land on. Because they’re liquid when deposited, they’ll spread and create stains on absorbent materials like fabric. On hard, non-absorbent surfaces, they’ll form tiny dark beads instead. Wooden surfaces can go either way—the droppings might soak in or sit on top.
- Smell – There’s a distinct rusty smell to bed bug droppings that you won’t mistake once you’ve encountered it. This unique odour is a direct result of their blood-only diet. Interestingly, the bugs themselves smell different—mustier with an odd hint of coriander. When you’re hunting for signs of bed bugs, you might notice the smell of the insects themselves is actually stronger than the smell of their waste.
Where to look for bed bug droppings
Knowing where bed bugs hide helps you spot their droppings faster and tackle an infestation before it gets worse. Here are the spots that you need to look for bed bug droppings:
Beds and bedding
- Sheets – Focus on the edges of your bed, where you’ll often find clusters of dark spots. Bed bugs tend to leave their droppings close to where they’re hiding out. Now, if you notice lines of dark red spots trailing from the middle of the bed toward the edges, those aren’t droppings—but they are a telltale sign of bed bugs. What you’re seeing is the path of a recently fed bug making its way back to its hiding spot, leaving a trail of your blood behind.
- Pillowcases – Pay extra attention to the seams and the opening flaps. These areas provide the perfect hiding spots, so check them carefully.
- Mattresses – Look along the piping of your mattress, particularly at the corners and ends of the bed. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for live bed bugs or their shed skins—they often hang out in the same spots as the droppings.
- Around the Bed – Examine the wooden slats on all sides and anything on or near the headboard. You’re searching for dark, humid spaces where bed bugs like to spend their days. A flashlight is your best friend here—it’ll help you peek into all those hidden crevices and hard-to-see spots where these pests love to hide.
Furniture
Bed bugs aren’t picky—they’ll make themselves at home in any soft fabric, tucked into the creases and seams of leather furniture, or nestled in the webbing of upholstered pieces. Just like with beds, focus your search on the edges and corners. These are the cosy, dark spots where bugs retreat during the day.
If you’re eyeing second-hand furniture, it’s worth doing a thorough inspection before you bring it home. That bargain sofa might seem like a steal, but it could end up costing you far more than a new one if it comes with unwanted guests. Once bed bugs settle into your home, you’ll likely need to hire a professional exterminator—and that’s not cheap.
Carpets and Fabrics
Bed bugs like to stay close to their meals, so they typically set up camp near where you sleep. But when an infestation gets bad, they’re not afraid to venture further. That’s why it’s smart to check carpets near beds and along skirting boards. These areas can become secondary hideouts as the bugs spread throughout your space.
How to clean bed bug droppings
If you’re dealing with an active bed bug infestation, tackle that problem first before worrying about clean-up. This approach saves you effort and gives you a useful way to monitor your progress—fresh droppings (or the lack of them) will tell you whether your treatment is actually working.
When you’re ready to clean, start simple: grab a cloth, dip it in cold water mixed with washing liquid, and gently wipe the stains. Here’s an important tip—always use cold water, never hot. Since bed bug droppings are digested blood, hot water will actually set the stain and make it permanent.
If cold water and soap don’t do the trick, try diluted hydrogen peroxide—it’s great for lifting stubborn stains. Another option is making a paste with baking soda and water, then applying it to the affected area.
Why are bed bug droppings alarming?
The bed bug droppings themselves aren’t particularly dangerous, but the bites could be an issue. Some people barely notice them, while others develop rashes and itching. Bed bugs inject anticoagulants when feeding, and those with high sensitivity can experience severe reactions, from welts to rare cases of anaphylactic shock.
Bites can also become infected with bacteria, and emerging research suggests bed bugs may potentially spread hepatitis B and MRSA.
Beyond physical symptoms, infestations take a mental toll. Many people struggle to sleep in previously infested beds and become anxious about every skin bump. If you’re dealing with bed bugs, calling professionals is your best move. They not only know what does bed bug excrement looks like, but also aware of the methods to remove them.
Takeaway
Bed bug droppings are a common issue for homeowners, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. All you need to do is keep in mind the information mentioned above. If you’re not able to get rid of the bed bugs using DIY methods, contact professionals who offer pest control service. They will improve the overall hygiene of your house.
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