You wake up groggy, shuffle to the bathroom, glance in the mirror—and there they are. Tiny, red, itchy bites. “Weird,” you think. “Maybe a mosquito snuck in?” You shrug it off, until a few days later, you notice faint little blood spots on your sheets. That’s when your stomach drops. Could it be… bed bugs?
If you’re living in Virginia Beach, the answer isn’t as unlikely as you’d hope. Thanks to our endless tourist traffic, temperate climate, and revolving door of short-term rentals, we’re a bit of a hotspot for these hitchhiking pests. And the kicker? By the time most people realize they’ve got a problem, it’s already grown legs—literally.
So today, we’re getting straight to the point: how to spot bed bugs early, what signs to look for, when to call exterminator Virginia Beach and exactly what to do if you find yourself sharing your bed with unwanted guests.
What Are Bed Bugs (and Why Do They Love It Here)?
Let’s start with the basics. Bed bugs are small, wingless insects—about the size of an apple seed—that feed exclusively on blood. They’re flat, oval, and reddish-brown, and their favorite time to snack? When you’re fast asleep. Lovely, right?
Now, Virginia Beach is a paradise for people—but also for pests. Think about it: a high-traffic tourist destination, warm and humid climate, and a constant shuffle of guests in and out of homes, hotels, and rental properties. That’s a first-class ticket for bed bugs to catch a ride into new territory.
Sneaky Signs You Might Be Living with Bed Bugs (Yikes)
Let’s cut to it—bed bugs are stealthy little creepers. But even the sneakiest pests leave behind clues. If you’re spotting any of these signs, it’s time to investigate… pronto.
1. Unexplained Bites
Waking up with red, itchy bumps in zig-zag or clustered patterns? Especially on your arms, legs, or neck? That’s the classic bed bug calling card. Don’t shrug it off.
2. Blood Spots on Sheets
Yep, bed bugs are messy eaters. Look for tiny rust-colored stains on your bedding, especially near mattress seams or pillowcases.
3. Dark Droppings
Gross but important—those black or dark brown smears along mattress seams or furniture edges? That’s bed bug poop. No sugarcoating it.
4. Actual Bed Bugs
You can spot them—small, flat, reddish-brown bugs hiding in mattress creases, couch cushions, or cracks in the wall. If you see one… there are probably more.
5. Eggs & Skins
Tiny white eggs or translucent “ghost” shells mean they’re breeding. Not cute.
See any of the above? Don’t panic—but don’t wait either. Bed bugs won’t just go away. You’ve got to take action. Fast.
Where to Look First?
If you’re doing your own investigation, start where bed bugs love to hang out:
The Bed: Strip everything off—sheets, pillows, mattress cover—and inspect the seams, tufts, and under the mattress. Don’t forget the box spring and behind the headboard.
Furniture: Check along the edges of couches and chairs, inside cushions, under furniture, and even in drawer joints. Look for live bugs, dark spots, or shed skins.
Your Stuff: Bed bugs are the ultimate hitchhikers. If you’ve recently traveled, inspect your luggage, duffel bags, backpacks, and even shoes. They’re sneaky—and they’ll ride home with you if they get the chance.
Found Something Suspicious? Here’s What to Do Next.
First—take a breath. It’s gross, but it’s fixable.
Do not start moving furniture or tossing your mattress on the curb. That just spreads the problem from one room to the next—and makes it harder to treat.
Instead, call a licensed Virginia Beach exterminator ASAP. Pros have the tools, training, and tricks to handle infestations the right way, without turning your whole house into a construction site.
The earlier you catch the problem, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Don’t wait.