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Stain Removal

Bed Bug Poop Stains: How To Identify and Remove

Bed bugs! Just the mention of these pesky little critters is enough to make most of us squirm. And what’s more, they’re not the politest of guests, are they? Leaving behind not just itchy bites, but also unsightly stains.

But there is hope if you spot the presence of bed bugs in your home. Here’s our guide on how to identify and remove bed bug poop stains. 

“Bed bug poop? Really? That’s a thing?” Oh, it absolutely is! 

These tiny terrors are known for leaving a trail of poop stains, usually on your pristine mattresses, pillows or sheets. These stains can be the signs of a bed bug infestation, but with the right know-how, you can bid them goodbye. 

So, buckle up as we roll up our sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of identifying and cleaning up after these uninvited guests.

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What Does Bed Bug Fecal Stains Look Like?

The first thing to do is identify bed bug droppings to make sure that’s the issue you’re dealing with and move forward.

Bed bugs droppings are typically miniscule, measuring 1mm. They look like ink stains or a pen dot and smear when you wipe them.

Bed bug poop is digested blood, so it’s wet and feels smooth to the touch when they dry up. However, you can’t hold or pick up bed bug poop, even when it dries up.

To help you identify bed bug poop stains, here’s a short description of what they look like on different surfaces:

  • Mattress: If you find dots that look like a dark brown, dark red, or black mark on your mattress, that’s a telltale sign that there’s bed bug fecal matter on it.
  • Bed Frame and Wood: Bed bug poop will look similar to a ballpoint pen repeatedly jabbed into the bed frame. You’ll likely find short lines or rows of dots.
  • Fabric and Clothes: Once the wood absorbs the fresh blood excreted by the bed bugs, it’ll turn black. Since the droppings are tiny, they’ll look like clustered black ink dots.
  • Ceilings: Bed bugs can climb ceilings, and since bed bug fecal matter is less likely to be smeared in that area, the dots will look much more defined.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bug Poop Stains?

Bed bug feces can stain and leave black spots. Yet, cleaning them is the same as cleaning blood stains. In this section, we’ll tell you how you can do it, depending on the surface where they leave bed bug droppings.

How Do I Clean Bed Bug Droppings on a Mattress?

  1. Soak the bed bug excrement in cold water with some detergent and leave them to sit for around 30 minutes.
  2. Once the stains start fading, wash the mattress with more cold water and detergent.
  3. If some stains remain from the bed bug poop, use ammonia solutions or hydrogen peroxide to remove them.

How Do I Clean Bed Bug Droppings on Fabrics (Linens, Clothes, and Bed Sheets)?

  1. Soak the fabric in cold water for 30 minutes. You can use detergent or even dish soap.
  2. Clean and rinse the fabric, also using cold water.
  3. To make sure there aren’t any bed bugs left in the fabric, place it in hot water or a hot dryer for 30 minutes. This way, you can eliminate any bugs clinging to the cloth and avoid bed bug bites in the future.
  4. Use ammonia or enzyme solutions to remove the fecal spots if any signs of bed bug stains still persist.

How Do I Clean Bed Bug Droppings off Walls or Furniture?

  1. Spray the area with bed bug poop stains with cold water.
  2. Use water and baking soda to target stubborn stains. You can also use a commercial stain remover.
  3. Wipe the area with a clean sponge or cloth to remove any residues.
Bed bug stains on wooden furniture

Why Do Bed Bugs Appear?

Bed bugs can get into your house from other infested areas, such as used furniture. Bed bugs can also hitch a ride in purses, backpacks, luggage, and other portable items.

Unfortunately, bed bugs can also make an appearance by travelling from one room to another in places with multiple units, such as hotels and apartment complexes.

How Do I Avoid a Bed Bug Infestation?

To avoid accidentally bringing bed bugs into your home, make sure that you place your luggage on suitcase stands instead of floors or beds when you’re staying at hotels or rented vacation homes, and again when you get home.

Try to prevent your items from coming into any contact with furniture or walls, and make sure to clean them once you’re back from your trip.

You should also wash all the clothes you had on the trip and place them in a hot dryer when you’re done. Even if you didn’t wear some of the clothes, wash them to be sure. 

If you’re getting a comfort item, like a couch or mattress, make sure you inspect the tufts, cushions, and especially the mattress seams before using it.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bug droppings and bed bug bites can be tiresome to deal with, but you can get rid of them, typically with an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. 

IPM helps you deal with a bed bug issue with the lowest environmental and health risks. It involves the following strategies:

  • Clean up any clutter you have around the house, especially in the bedroom.
  • Move your bed to a place where it isn’t touching any furniture or walls.
  • Vacuum floors, windows, and furniture daily. Add to that, vacuum box springs and mattresses. After you’re done, empty the vacuum bag immediately and seal it in a bag or container before you dispose of its contents.
  • Wash bed skirts, blankets, pillowcases, and sheets regularly and make sure to place them in a hot dryer for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Get in the habit of using box spring covers and a mattress cover to minimize mites, and use duct tape over the zippers.
  • Find the areas with openings where wires or pipes come into your house and make sure to seal them well.
  • If you buy second-hand furniture, be sure to examine the pieces extensively before bringing them into your home. 
Spray bottles filled with pesticides to clean bed bug poop

Is It a Good Idea to Use Pesticides?

Sometimes, you’ll feel like you have to resort to pesticides to get rid of the bed bug problem. However, pesticides aren’t always effective and may even be dangerous if you don’t use them properly. That’s why you should keep the following in mind if you decide to use pesticides:

  • Only use registered pesticides, and make sure they’re specific to bed bugs.
  • Don’t let the pesticide come into contact with your body, keeping in mind that there aren’t any registered repellents registered to control bed bugs that are safe for the human body.
  • Don’t use pesticides that are meant for outdoor use inside the house.
  • If you’re going to opt for a pest control company, make sure they have enough expertise and that they use the IPM approach.
  • Make sure a pesticide company is registered and that its applicators are licensed professionals.

How To Get Rid Of Bed Bug Eggs

Unfortunately, removing bed bug eggs isn’t as easy as getting rid of adult bed bugs. They’re small, resistant, and can take up to two weeks to hatch. Plus, they find great hiding spots in crevices and cracks that are difficult to reach. However, there are a few things you can do:

  • Use hot water when washing clothes or linens.
  • Heat infested items in a very hot dryer for at least 30 minutes.
  • Vacuum thoroughly and regularly, especially around the seams of your mattress.
  • Use a hand steamer at a temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to get rid of bed bugs eggs on furniture or fabrics. 

When Do I Need Pest Control Professionals?

If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and still can’t seem to get rid of bed bugs, it’s a good indication you need to call in the professionals. Here are a few other signs that you need pest control experts:

  • The bed bugs have been in your home for a long time and it’s a large infestation..
  • You have a history of any allergic reaction to insect bites.
  • You don’t feel comfortable handling pesticides yourself.
  • You have young children, elderly individuals, or pets in the house. 

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FAQs

Do bed bugs have hard or soft poop?

Bed bug poop is soft, as it’s liquid, since it’s essentially human blood that has been digested. That’s why it can smear when you wipe it with tissues.

What happens if I try to wipe bed bug poop off?

Don’t wipe bed bug poop off because, similar to black ink stains, it’ll smear the area. This is especially true on a porous surface like a mattress or wood.

The better option is to leave the poop to dry and stain and later remove the stain using the methods we’ve mentioned before.

Does bed bug poop smell?

Bed bug droppings have a distinctive rusty smell that resembles fresh blood.

Conclusion

Removing bed bug poop stains may seem like a horrible task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done effectively. 

Remember to identify the type of stain before choosing a removal method, and always take precautions when using pesticides. If you have any doubts, it’s best to consult a professional pest control company for help. 

Don’t let those pesky bed bugs and their poop stains ruin your peace of mind, take action and get rid of them for good. And always remember, prevention is key, so make sure to regularly check for signs of bed bugs in your home and take necessary measures to keep them at bay.  

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