How to Know If Your Rental Unit Has Bed Bug Activity 

Bed bugs are sneaky pests that can infest homes, apartments, and rental units without being noticed right away. Early detection is crucial—catching an infestation early can prevent it from spreading throughout the building. Whether you’re a tenant moving in or a property manager doing inspections, knowing how to spot signs of bed bug activity can save time, stress, and money.

1. Look for Small Reddish-Brown Stains on Sheets and Mattresses

One of the most common signs of bed bugs is tiny rust-colored spots on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses. These stains are usually bed bug droppings or crushed bugs. Check mattress seams, corners, and the underside of bedding carefully.

2. Check for Live Bed Bugs and Shed Skins

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, flat, and reddish-brown. Nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller and pale in color. They often hide in mattress seams, box springs, baseboards, cracks in walls, and behind headboards. Shed exoskeletons or molted skins are another clear sign that bed bugs are active.

3. Inspect Furniture and Baseboards Closely

Bed bugs don’t just stay on beds. They can hide in couches, chairs, wooden furniture, baseboards, and even electrical outlets. Use a flashlight to look for small bugs, eggs (which look like tiny white grains), or black spotting along crevices.

4. Notice Any Unexplained Bites or Itchy Red Marks

While bites alone aren’t proof of bed bugs, clusters or lines of itchy red bumps, especially on the arms, legs, or neck, can be a strong indicator. Reactions vary by person, so not everyone will show symptoms, but if multiple tenants notice similar bites, it’s a red flag.

5. Be Alert for a Musty, Sweet Odor

In heavy infestations, bed bugs can produce a distinct musty, sweet smell, often described as similar to coriander. If you detect an unusual odor coming from bedding or furniture, it may be due to a large bed bug population.

6. Use Bed Bug Interceptors or Traps

If you suspect activity but haven’t seen bugs, place bed bug interceptor cups under bed legs or use sticky traps. These can help capture bugs trying to climb up, providing visual proof of infestation.

7. Ask About Past Pest Control Records

When renting, it’s smart to ask landlords or property managers about previous bed bug treatments. Regular inspections and professional pest control records can help identify whether the unit has had recurring issues.

✅ Take Action Early with Professional Bed Bug Inspection

If you find any signs of bed bugs, don’t wait. These pests spread quickly from unit to unit, especially in apartment buildings. Contact a licensed bed bug control company in Calgary to inspect and treat the problem properly. DIY treatments are often ineffective and can make infestations worse.

At Pest Pro Exterminator, we specialize in bed bug inspections and control for rental units in Calgary. Our trained technicians use proven methods to locate hidden infestations and eliminate them completely, giving both tenants and landlords peace of mind.

📞 Contact Pest Pro Exterminator today for expert bed bug inspection and treatment in Calgary. Early detection is the key to keeping your rental unit bed bug–free.