What Does Bed Bug Poop Look Like?

Jon Stoddard
1 day ago
7 min read

By Jonathan S., Entomologist at Imperial Pest Prevention

Introduction
What are Bed Bugs?
Understanding Bed Bug Feces
Identifying Bed Bug Droppings a. Color and Consistency b. Size and Shape
c. Smell
Common Locations of Bed Bug Droppings
Differentiating Bed Bug Feces from Other Stains
Health Concerns Related to Bed Bug Droppings
How to Clean Bed Bug Droppings
How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations
When to Call a Professional
Bed Bug Service Prep Video

Introduction

As an entomologist with Imperial Pest Prevention, I’ve dealt with countless bed bug infestations, and I know how unsettling the experience can be. Before we dive into identifying bed bug waste, it’s important to understand what bed bugs are and why they’re such a persistent pest.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects that have plagued humans for thousands of years. As an entomologist, I can tell you they are one of the most stubborn and frustrating pests to eliminate once they take hold in a home or business. Bed bugs are parasitic and feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, with humans being their preferred host.

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed—approximately 4 to 7 millimeters in length. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies that are reddish-brown. After feeding, their bodies swell and take on a more reddish hue. Nymphs (immature bed bugs) are smaller, lighter in color, and harder to detect.

Bed bugs are nocturnal, preferring to hide in tiny crevices near sleeping areas during the day and becoming active at night to feed. They cannot jump or fly, but bed bugs are excellent crawlers and notorious hitchhikers. I’ve personally seen them travel undetected on luggage, furniture, bedding, clothing, and even electronics.

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, Bed bug bites can cause red, itchy welts, allergic reactions, and, in some cases, severe psychological distress. Infestations can spread quickly because female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, and those eggs hatch into hungry nymphs eager to feed.

Their elusive behavior and rapid reproduction are why early detection is critical. One of the most common and noticeable signs of bed bugs—before you ever spot the bugs themselves—is the appearance of their fecal droppings. Next, I’ll explain exactly what bed bug poop looks like and how you can spot it.

How Do I Know If I Have Bed Bugs?

One of the most common questions I get from concerned clients is, “How do I know if I have bed bugs?” Bed bugs are masters of stealth and can be difficult to detect in the early stages of an infestation. However, there are several clear signs of bed bugs you can look for:

1. Unexplained Bites

If you wake up with itchy, red welts—especially in clusters or rows—it could be a sign of bed bugs feeding at night. Their bites are usually painless at the time, but irritation sets in later.

2. Dark Spots and Stains

Look for small black or dark brown spots on sheets, pillowcases, mattresses, and furniture. These are often fecal stains from digested blood. They may look like ink spots or tiny smears.

3. Shed Skins and Exoskeletons

As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer skin. Finding these translucent, shell-like remains in mattress seams, behind headboards, or near furniture joints is a strong sign of an infestation.

4. Live Bed Bugs

Adult bed bugs are small (about the size of an apple seed), flat, and reddish-brown. Nymphs are smaller and lighter in color. You may spot them in mattress seams, cracks in bed frames, behind baseboards, or under loose wallpaper.

5. Musty Odor

A strong or sweet, musty odor can indicate a large infestation. This smell comes from the bed bugs’ scent glands and becomes noticeable when numbers are high.

6. Bed Bug Eggs

Tiny, pearly white eggs (about 1 mm long) may be found in crevices near beds and furniture. They are sticky and often laid in clusters.

Understanding Bed Bug Feces

Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, and what goes in must come out. Their feces consist of partially digested blood, which makes it look and behave very differently from other types of stains or insect droppings.

Identifying Bed Bug Droppings

a. Color and Consistency

Bed bug poop looks like tiny dark spots, usually dark brown or black. Think of them like ink stains from a felt-tip marker. When fresh, these stains can smear when touched with a damp cloth.

b. Size and Shape

The droppings are small, about the size of a pinhead (1-2 millimeters). You’ll rarely see just one; they typically appear in clusters or trails where bed bugs are active.

c. Smell

A small infestation may not produce an odor, but larger infestations sometimes carry a faint, musty sweetness from both the bugs and the buildup of their waste.

Common Locations of Bed Bug Droppings

I always tell clients, Look where bed bugs hide. The most common spots for feces include

Seams and edges of mattresses
Box springs
Headboards and bed frames
Cracks and joints in furniture
Carpet edges and baseboards near sleeping areas

If you see dark spots in any of these areas, it’s time to take action.

Differentiating Bed Bug Feces from Other Stains

Bed bug droppings can be mistaken for other stains, but there are a few giveaways. Ink stains don’t smear reddish-brown when wet. Mold and mildew have a fuzzier texture. Cockroach droppings are more pellet-shaped and gritty, while bed bug feces are smooth and tend to soak into fabric.

Health Concerns Related to Bed Bug Droppings

As an entomologist, I get asked this question often: Are bed bug droppings dangerous? While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their waste can still pose certain health risks, especially when infestations are severe or left untreated.

The primary concern with bed bug droppings is the allergens they leave behind. Bed bug feces are made up of digested blood and proteins, and over time, these can break down into tiny airborne particles. When inhaled or when skin comes into contact with contaminated surfaces, these particles can cause or aggravate health issues.

Here’s what you should be aware of:

1. Allergic Reactions

Some individuals are sensitive to bed bug waste and may develop allergic skin reactions, such as red, itchy rashes or hives. In rare cases, more severe allergic responses can occur.

2. Asthma and Respiratory Problems

For people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the presence of bed bug droppings can act as an environmental trigger. The fine particles can irritate airways and worsen symptoms, leading to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

3. Skin Irritation

Direct contact with contaminated bedding, mattresses, or furniture can cause skin irritation. I’ve had clients report unexplained redness or itching before they even realized they had bed bugs, which was due to contact with fecal matter rather than bites.

4. Psychological Stress

While not a direct physical health issue, the presence of bed bugs and the stains they leave behind can cause considerable mental and emotional stress. Sleep disturbances, anxiety, and paranoia about being bitten are common in people living with active infestations.

The bottom line: bed bug droppings are unsanitary and should be treated seriously. Early identification and professional removal are critical to preventing these health risks from escalating. At Imperial Pest Prevention, we always stress the importance of thorough cleanup and elimination of the source to protect both property and health.

How to Clean Bed Bug Droppings

If you’ve found bed bug feces, here’s what I recommend:

Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA filter
Spot clean with cold water and mild detergent (hot water may set the stain)
Use enzyme-based cleaners for stubborn stains
Launder bedding and fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat

Never delay cleaning. The longer feces remain, the more likely they are to stain permanently.

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations

I can’t stress enough: prevention is key. Here’s my go-to list:

Inspect bedding and furniture regularly
Encase mattresses and box springs with bed bug-proof covers
Check second-hand furniture carefully before bringing it inside
Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots

The earlier you catch them, the easier it is to treat.

When to Call a Professional

Call a bed bug treatment professional immediately if you see droppings, live bugs, or wake up with unexplained bites. At Imperial Pest Prevention, we have the tools, training, and experience to eradicate bed bug infestations quickly and safely. Early intervention can save you thousands in remediation costs.

Recognizing bed bug poop early can make all the difference. If you suspect you’re dealing with bed bugs, don’t panic—contact us at Imperial Pest Prevention. I’m always available to inspect, confirm, and help you take the following steps to reclaim your home or business.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Bed Bug Service?

Preparing your home properly is crucial for the success of any bed bug treatment. At Imperial Pest Prevention, we provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help you get ready for our bed bug extermination services. Our detailed video walkthrough ensures you're fully informed and can take the necessary actions to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

🧼 Why Preparation Matters

Bed bugs are elusive pests that can hide in the smallest of crevices. Proper preparation allows our technicians to access all potential hiding spots, ensuring a thorough treatment. Without adequate preparation, bed bugs may survive the treatment, resulting in the infestation's resurgence.

📋 Key Preparation Steps

Our video outlines several essential steps to prepare your home for bed bug treatment:

Declutter Your Home: Remove unnecessary items to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
Launder Bedding and Clothing: Wash all bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting.
Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, paying special attention to seams and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use.
Disassemble Furniture: Disassemble bed frames and other furniture to expose potential hiding spots.
Seal Cleaned Items: After cleaning, place items in sealed plastic bags to prevent re-infestation