Not all signs are equally reliable. Here is how to rank what you find:
The fecal spot wipe test is simple and useful. Dampen a cotton swab or white cloth and press it against a suspicious dark spot. Bed bug fecal matter — digested blood — will smear and leave a reddish-brown streak. Paint splatter, dirt, or mould will not.
You do not need professional equipment for a first inspection. Health Canada recommends a basic toolkit:
Step 1: Gather your tools. A flashlight, a rigid card (an old credit card cut to a triangle works well) for scraping seams and crevices, cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol or a damp white cloth for the wipe test, and a clear sealable container or zip-lock bag for collecting samples.
Step 2: Strip the bed. Remove all linens and pillows. Set them aside in a white plastic bag — do not carry them through other rooms yet.
Step 3: Inspect the mattress. Slowly lift each corner. Run your flashlight along all seams, tufts, piping, handles, and air holes. Use the card to scrape along seams and check for insects, skins, eggs, or fecal spots.
Step 4: Inspect the box spring and frame. Check where the box spring meets the frame. Flip or tilt the box spring to inspect the underside fabric, especially along stapled edges. Examine the bed frame joints, screw holes, and any cracks.
Step 5: Expand outward. Check the headboard (front and back), nightstands, baseboards near the bed, and any upholstered furniture within a couple of metres. Remove electrical outlet covers if you are comfortable doing so — turn off the breaker first.
Step 6: Document everything. Photograph any evidence with your phone. Include a coin or ruler for scale. Note the date, location, and type of evidence.
If you find a suspected bed bug, Toronto Public Health advises collecting it for identification:
A preserved sample can save time. Some pest control companies and municipal public health offices can confirm identification without scheduling a full home visit.
Track your findings over days or weeks. Record the date, location (which room, which piece of furniture), type of evidence (live bug, fecal spot, cast skin, bite), and attach photos. This log gives a pest control professional a clearer picture of the infestation's scope and helps them prioritize treatment areas. It also creates a paper trail if you need to coordinate with a landlord or property manager.
