Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Bed Bugs
Look for Physical Evidence
Bed Bug Identification in Central Missouri
Bed bugs hide in small spaces around sleeping and resting areas. Bites alone do not reliably identify them. Look for insects, shed skins, eggs or dark spots, and ask for help confirming what you find. See the EPA identification guide or explore our bed bug service for your Central Missouri property.
What to Look For
How to Tell If You Have a Bed Bug Infestation
Look for physical evidence near sleeping and resting areas. Stains or skin reactions can have other causes, so identification should not rely on one clue alone.
- Live insects in mattress seams, headboards or furniture crevices.
- Shed skins or small pale eggs near hiding places.
- Dark spots on bedding or nearby furniture.
- Rust-colored stains on mattresses or sheets.
- These clues should be evaluated together. A skin reaction alone does not confirm bed bugs.
Bed Bug Identification
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed (1/4 inch long). They are wingless and become more elongated and reddish after feeding. While they can’t fly or jump, they’re fast crawlers and often travel between rooms via luggage, clothing, furniture, or bedding.
Where Bed Bugs Are Commonly Found:
- Inside mattress seams, box springs, and headboards
- Behind baseboards, electrical outlets, and picture frames
- Inside cracks in furniture or flooring
- Upholstered chairs, sofas, and luggage brought indoors
How to Inspect for Bed Bugs:
- Use a flashlight to check seams, tags, and crevices of mattresses and box springs
- Remove and inspect bedding and bed skirts
- Look for fecal spots, shed skins, or eggs (tiny and white)
- Pay close attention to areas near where people sleep or rest
Evidence of Bed Bugs Includes:
- Small blood spots on pillowcases or sheets
- Live or dead bugs near sleeping areas
- Clusters of tiny, white eggs glued to rough surfaces
If you find a suspected bed bug or other evidence, photograph it and contact us to discuss identification and inspection options.
Don't Wait Until It Spreads
Contact Plank Termite & Pest Control or call or text (573) 368-3333 to discuss a bed bug inspection and the treatment options available.
Why Bed Bugs Show Up
Common Causes of Bed Bug Infestations
Bed bugs don’t show up because of dirt—they follow people, luggage, and used furniture. They can enter even the cleanest homes and businesses unnoticed.
- Recent travel (hotels, public transport, luggage)
- Used furniture or mattresses brought into the home
- Guests staying overnight
- Multi-unit buildings (apartments, hotels, dorms)
- Movie theaters, hospitals, or offices
Early identification helps guide a treatment plan. Share recent travel, furniture purchases and activity in nearby rooms when discussing an inspection.
FAQs About Bed Bugs
How do bed bugs spread?
They can travel with luggage, clothing and furniture and move between nearby rooms or units.
What does treatment involve?
A plan may combine preparation, monitoring and selected treatment methods, followed by checks for continued activity. Ask which methods are included; heat treatment is not automatically part of every service.
Do they spread disease?
CDC reports that bed bugs are not known to spread disease to people. Bites can cause itching and occasionally allergic reactions. Discuss concerning symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Can they survive without feeding?
They can survive for months without a blood meal, which makes monitoring and follow-up important.
Must furniture be discarded?
Not always. Discuss treatment and handling options before moving or disposing of furniture.
More information: CDC: About Bed Bugs and EPA bed bug control guidance.
Know What Your Service Includes
Plank Termite & Pest Control has served Central Missouri since 2000. We discuss the inspection findings, treatment options, preparation and follow-up so you understand the proposed service before work begins.
Nicholas Peters
Great service at an excellent price. Technicians are prompt and always discuss options for treatment around the home.
JP Maxwell
I can't recommend Plank Termite & Pest Control enough! They came to our house within 2 days of scheduling and the service was incredible. Great customer service with very thorough treatment using non-harmful chemicals to us or our pets. Plank always delivers and they're locally owned!
Judyann Krenning
Very professional and polite. Definitely knew his business. Our problem was taken care of easily.
Steven Doyon
Excellent Service.
Katie Steelman
The staff is very responsive to messages. Even though we had to be rescheduled a couple times due to rain, they didn’t just drop us. They took care of us when the weather cooperated. Very good to work with! Price is very reasonable too.