What does a bed bug stain look like?

I’m worried I’ve found bed bug stains on my mattress, but I can’t be sure. How can I tell if the stains are caused by bed bugs? 

A bed bug stain usually looks like a tiny dark dot, almost like a pin-tip mark made by a pen. These spots come from bed bug droppings and often sit along seams, folds, or the edges of the mattress. When you touch them lightly, they often smear into a darker mark. You may also see small rusty stains from crushed bugs. These marks usually appear in clusters rather than on their own, which helps separate them from everyday dirt or fabric wear.

If you think you have a bed bug infestation, contact Western Exterminator for a free inspection by our bed bug technicians.