Updated at: 14-04-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

For the rest of your life, you’ll never find yourself enamored with a bed bug. Insects that feed on human and animal blood are opportunistic pests that thrive.

Mysterious bites or rashes on the skin are generally the first signs of an infestation because the bugs are so little and active in dark areas. However, if you notice any of the following indicators in your bedding or furnishings, it’s time to take action:

  • They are oval, flat and reddish-brown, but if they have just fed on blood, they will appear rounder.
  • nymphs of the bed bug: These newly hatched bed bugs are nearly invisible since they are translucent and extremely small.
  • The eggs of bed bugs are a milky white color and about the size of a grain of rice. They are laid in dark crevices, such as the seams of mattresses and the cushions of furniture.
  • Life cycle: Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons an average of five times. Unlike living bugs, the skins are translucent and do not writhe in the wind.
  • If you find tiny black specks or light-colored streaks on your mattress, you might have a problem with bed bugs.
  • Dried or fresh blood specks on bedding or furniture could be an indication that bed bugs are present and actively feeding.

Why do bed bugs leave stains behind?

Rust-colored or brownish reddish stains are one of the most common indicators of bed bugs. Corners of your mattresses, bed frames, upholstered furniture, drapes, sofas and futons made of various types of textiles, carpets, and even walls will all have these. There is no way to get rid of these stains despite how many times you clean, wash or vacuum your bedbug-infested home. Because of the following causes, bedbugs leave these stains behind:

  • To complete their life cycle, bedbugs require a lot of blood meals.
  • Fecal waste is left behind on the surfaces in which they conceal after they eat.
  • The dark crimson stains on the linen are the result of digested feces and blood.
  • There is rust-colored debris or a discarded exoskeleton left behind by bed bugs when they shed their shells and molt through the various phases of their life cycle.
  • The abandoned shells of hatching bed bug eggs are also left behind. Bed bug eggs are also covered in a sticky substance that helps them attach to surfaces and that can also stain bed sheets, bed clothing, and upholstered furnishings.

Bed Bug Stains: Evidence of an Infestation - PestSeek

How many blood stains do bed bugs produce?

There are over six blood stains left by a fully-engorged, single bed insect in just fourteen days, according to Paul J. Bello’s The Bed Bug Combat Manual This means that the larger the number of stains you notice, the greater the infestation. The more stains there are, the more likely it is that there are a lot of bed bugs and that the infestation has been going on for a while. If the stains are dried and dark, it’s likely that the bugs have had plenty of time to reproduce and populate new areas. Based on current research by entomologists, a single well fed bed bug can, on an average, produce at least one fecal stain per day. An isolated and well-fed bed bug nymph can create about 26 stains in sixty days if it is properly gorged.

What can you do to get rid of bed bug blood stains on sheets?

In Paul J Bello’s The Bed Bug Combat Manual, one fully engorged and isolated bed bug can leave behind over six blood stains in a fourteen-day period, according to the book. There is a higher infestation level when there are more spots visible. To a large extent, how many stains there are reveals how many bugs are there and how long the infestation has been going on. The presence of dried, dark stains also suggests that the bugs have had ample opportunity to breed and establish new colonies. Research by entomologists shows that a well-fed bed bug may create at least one fecal stain every day on average. An isolated and well-fed bed bug nymph can create about 26 spots in 60 days if it is fully gorged. Likewise,

  • The easiest way to get rid of bed bug stains for good is to avoid them in the first place. This is due to the fact that the longer the stains remain, the more difficult it is to remove them.
  • Using cold water to remove blood stains is the best way to prevent them from spreading. When dealing with new blood stains, never use hot water.
  • Heat should never be used on discolored materials. To make matters more difficult, heat will set inks and evaporate moisture from blood.
  • These stains are caused by bedbugs and are made of organic protein. As a result, you can get rid of it with an enzyme cleaning. Product characteristics or targeted stain removal lists should include blood stain removal. Each enzyme has a unique activity and is usually only capable of breaking down one form of stain at a time. Stain removal from urine and feces may be an enzyme function. These may not be able to remove bed bug blood stains effectively.
  • Cool water should be used to rinse the fabric. Gently brush the fabric. The majority of the stain should be removed with this method.
  • Douse your carpet with the enzyme-based stain removal. Rinse it out after a few minutes.
  • You can also use hydrogen peroxide or club soda/baking soda to remove blood stains.
  • Use a tiny section of the sheet as a test before using bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Do not use the product if the color fades away. You could use diluted bleach/hydrogen peroxide to treat the fabric.
  • In your washing machine, use detergent and water to wash the fabric as usual.
  • In the sun, dry the fabric.

Once you discover that you have bedbugs, it is imperative that you take action immediately. As long as there is food available, bed bugs will never go away on their own (humans). Most of the time, professional pest treatment is required. It is quite simple to remove bed bug spots once the infestation has been eliminated. However, it will take time and patience.

Signs of Bedbugs in Your Home

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are available.
  • The steamer for steamed garments

Materials

  • Rubbish (Isopropyl) Alcohol
  • Large plastic tote containers
  • Detergent
  • Cleaner for upholstery

How to Clean Bed Bug Stains on Washable Laundry

      • Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol can be used to kill bed bugs on contact if they are found on colorfast clothing. Not only will it not get rid of the eggs, but it will also not get rid of the infestation.

Rubbing alcohol, on the other hand, can be used to remove blood stains from bedding. As instructed on the care label, saturate the spots with stain remover spray before washing.

Separate Laundry by Color and Fabric Type

Sort the laundry into piles based on color and fabric type to see if any items have come into contact with the infestation. Before washing each bag of laundry, place the goods in plastic bags and seal them tightly. To keep the bugs from spreading, keep the bags tightly closed.

To get you started, here are a few pointers:

Treat Stains on Washable Clothes

Bedbug excrement or drops of human blood can leave stains that resemble tiny dark rusty dots. Most will be removed during a regular wash. When staining is heavy, use an enzyme-based fabric stain remover prior to washing to eliminate the stains.

Allow the stain remover to operate for about 10 minutes before washing the clothes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choose Washer Settings

Washing machine’s automatic dispenser or drum can be used to add your standard detergent. For each type of cloth, set the washer to the cycle (normal, gentle, bulky goods) and the water temperature advised by the manufacturer.

Load and Start the Washer

One plastic bag of laundry should be carefully emptied into the washing machine, keeping the bag as close to the drum as possible. You must exercise extreme caution in order to keep the bugs from being dispersed. Start the washing machine as soon as possible and dispose of the garbage bag in a trash can outside.

Use the Correct Dryer Cycle

It is possible that some bugs and eggs will remain after washing, even after the stains have been removed. Transfer the laundry from the washer to the dryer as quickly as possible. Allow the dryer to run for at least 30 minutes on the maximum heat setting for each type of fabric. To ensure that the bugs and their eggs are destroyed, a temperature of at least 120°F is required.

Empty the dryer lint filter after every cycle and place the contents in a sealed plastic bag in an outdoor garbage bin.

Protect Clean Laundry

Place newly washed, folded laundry in sealable plastic bags to prevent reinfestation unless you are sure the infestation has been removed by a pest management firm or your own diligence.

How to Clean Bed Bug Stains on Dry Clean Only Clothes

Use a Professional Dry Cleaner

If you have clothes or bedding that can’t be washed at home, you should take them to a professional cleaning. Let the cleaner know about the issue out of respect.

Pretreat Stains

Inspect the bedding or clothing for stains before using a dry cleaning solvent or stain remover to clean non-washable items at home.

Use a Steam Cleaner and Vacuum

The bugs and eggs can be killed with a clothes steamer heated to 160-180°F. Make sure to follow the steamer’s recommendations and treat all of the item’s surfaces. If you find any dead bugs after steaming, use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to remove them. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or dust container in an outside trash bin.

How Can I Spot Bed Bug Droppings?

The only way to detect bed bugs is to keep an eye out for the stains and droppings they leave behind. Only when you’ve located the infected region can you begin cleaning and disinfecting the home. The feces could be mistaken for dirt or ink stains because of their color.

Here is how you can spot bed bug droppings:

Stains of black or reddish-brown color are common. Unlike fresh blood, this blood is deeper in hue.

Tiny patches that appear like ballpoint marks of ink on paper.

These are the places where bedbugs are most likely to lurk:

Mattress and bed sags and folds

• Below the headboard and footboard

Between the couch’s cushion and the backrest

In the joints of furniture

In the midst of wrinkly wallpaper

10 Points To Keep In Mind When Removing Bed Bug Stains

Preparation is key to dealing with bedbug infestations, as they multiply quickly. Before beginning treatment, it is vital to identify all of the affected places in the area.

1. Containing the infestation is critical because doing so facilitates their removal.

2. Always do a patch test on fabric or upholstery before using hydrogen peroxide.

The blood will seep into the fabric if you use a brush to clean the stain.

Clean up the mess. As a result, the bugs will have less places to hide.

For items that cannot be washed, use a high heat setting on your dryer for approximately 20 minutes to dry them. High temperatures kill bed bugs.

To keep your home from becoming infested, put your laundry into separate garbage bags while you’re doing it.

To remove the stains, use a gentle laundry detergent.

Keep bed insect stains off of clothing by spraying your clothes with a bed bug repellent spray.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Fast | Bed Bug Barbeque

How to get rid of bed bug stains from carpets and upholstery (items you cannot wash in the washer)

In order to get rid of bed bug blood and poop stains from carpets and rugs, rugs, curtains, and other non-washable objects, use the following methods:

  • As much of the discoloration as possible can be removed with a clean sponge and cool water, so start with that.
  • Scrubbing will just cause the stains to penetrate deeper into the fibers, so avoid it at all costs..
  • To remove the stains, use a weak solution of washing detergent. Wait a few minutes before using the detergent.
  • Gently pat the mixture. Old, wet rag works well for this.
  • Make sure the cloth isn’t destroyed by using hydrogen peroxide before using it on a larger area.

How to remove stains from fabrics

  • Dishwashing liquid detergent, ammonia, and one cup of water equal one gallon.
  • The liquid should be soaked into the fabric. Spray the solution directly on bed bug feces or rust stains on upholstered furniture, rugs, or carpets.
  • Use cold water to finish rinsing.
  • Spray or soak in a solution of water and vinegar for an hour to remove stubborn stains.
  • Hand wash as usual.
  • If you choose, you may either use a dryer or let it dry naturally.

How to remove bed bug fecal stains from walls and wood

To avoid detection, bed bugs prefer natural materials such as wood and fabric to man-made ones like as plastic and metal. Cleaning bed bug dung from walls can be accomplished in a number of ways.

  • To remove the discoloration, use water. This is inevitable in the case of the walls. Do not use too much force.
  • Wood stains can be removed with commercial stain removers. You can also use hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning products like Klean Strip on walls to remove bed insect excrement or human waste. Hydrogen peroxide might taint the walls if you’re not careful. It’s best to start with a small area and work your way up.
  • Rust-colored bed bug stains can be removed with a solution of oxalic acid and water. Make sure to wear gloves whenever you work with oxalic acid. You may need to use sandpaper to sand the area and match the surrounding color after applying the solution.
  • Mix a paste of baking soda and water to remove bed insect feces or blood stains off walls. Apply the paste to the stained areas of the wall. Let the air dry after swabbing the area with a piece of tissue.

Bed bug shells and blood spots on bedding are two of the greatest ways to detect bed bugs. Walls, headboards, and mattresses have bed insect stains as well. Once you’ve dealt with the infestation, you can utilize the preceding procedures to get rid of the stains left behind. Repeat the bed bug treatment within a few days and again after a few weeks in order to entirely eliminate newly hatched bed bugs.

FAQs

What do bed bugs look like?

They’re a brown, oval-shaped bug that’s little. They feast on the blood of humans and other animals.

Where are bed bugs found?

Beds, bedsheets, and mattress seams are popular places to find these critters. They can also be found in the crevices of wooden furniture and walls.

Do bed bugs leave marks on the wall?

What does bed bug poop look like?

Dark brown or black spots are what it appears to be. Bed bug feces stains can be seen in cracks in beds, walls, and wooden furniture, often in clusters.

Do bed bug poop on wood furniture spread infection?

No infections have been linked to the feces of bedbugs or their defecation. Bedbug allergies can cause severe skin infections, though.

How to remove bed bug urine stains?

If you’re trying to get rid of bedbugs at home, look for an enzyme cleaning. If you have urine stains, you’ll want to use a cleaner designed for that purpose. It’s a good idea to get in touch with a pest control company if your bed bug problem gets worse.

Can bed bugs infest on walls?

Yes. In addition to the bed, bedbugs can spread to other areas of the home. Wood and masonry crevices are common places to discover them.

How do I know if a bed bug bit me?

The bite marks left by bed bugs can be difficult to spot. A bite mark usually appears within a few days. It resembles a mosquito or flea bite mark in its appearance. You might not even notice a bite mark if your skin isn’t particularly sensitive. However, some people are allergic to bedbugs and may experience negative effects.

How to prevent and treat bed bugs?

Spraying an area with an insecticide is an efficient way to keep bed bugs out. Get in touch with a pest treatment center immediately if you suspect that you have bed bugs. Apply an antiseptic cream to the region where you were bitten by a bed bug.

Does salt kill bed bugs?

Bedbugs aren’t much of a problem for salt. Bed bugs have a skin that is distinct from that of mollusks. As a result, salt is unable to draw much moisture from the body of a bed insect.

Conclusion

This could be an issue when you already have some itch marks and your bedding are stained by bed bugs.

Washing bedding takes more time and effort than other chores.

Due to the fact that they are more difficult to wash than your usual laundry.

However, prior to washing your linens, make sure your mattress is bug-free.

Because the bed bug stains can’t be washed away.

Afterwards, once you’ve cleaned and replaced the linens on your bed.

Bed bugs are hidden in the tiniest corners of your bedroom, and they’ll leave behind dark blotches.

If you’ve been stumped over how to get rid of bed bug stains from your linens, then look no further.

Thank you for reading this essay, and I hope it helped you find a solution!