Do I Have Bed Bugs?

If you’re waking up with bites or noticing something unusual, you’re probably wondering:

“Do I have bed bugs… or is it something else?”

At Getem Services, we’ve been helping homeowners across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Hampton Roads area figure that out since 1922. As a local, family-owned company—not a national chain—we’ve seen just about every version of a bed bug problem you can imagine.

The tricky part? Bed bugs aren’t always obvious.

But they do leave clues. You just need to know what to look for—and what not to assume.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Actually Look Like?

Bed bug bites can vary from person to person, but there are a few patterns our local technicians see over and over again in homes across the area.

Common signs of bed bug bites:

• Small, red, itchy bumps
• Often appear in lines or clusters (sometimes called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”)
• Usually show up on exposed skin (arms, legs, neck, face)
• May take hours or even days to appear

But here’s the catch: Not everyone reacts the same way.

• Some people swell up and itch a lot
• Others barely react at all
• In shared homes, one person may have bites while another has none

That’s why bites alone are not enough to confirm bed bugs.

What Gets Mistaken for Bed Bugs?

Before you panic, it’s worth ruling out a few common lookalikes.

Things often confused with bed bugs:

• Mosquito bites
• Flea bites (usually around ankles)
• Skin irritation or allergic reactions
• Contact dermatitis (new detergent, soap, etc.)

If the bites are random, isolated, or only happen outdoors, bed bugs are less likely.

But if you’re seeing a pattern—and especially if it’s happening overnight—keep reading.

Where to Look for Bed Bugs

This is where things get more reliable.

Bed bugs don’t live on your body. They hide nearby and come out at night.

Start with these areas:

• Mattress seams and piping
• Box spring edges and underside
• Bed frame joints and cracks
• Headboard (especially if attached to the wall)
• Nearby furniture (nightstands, couches, recliners)

Signs of bed bugs you’re looking for:

• Tiny black dots (bed bug waste)
• Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
• Shed skins (they look like empty bug shells)
• Live bugs (about the size of an apple seed, flat, reddish-brown)

You don’t need to tear your house apart—but a careful, focused check around sleeping areas can tell you a lot.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s worth getting a professional inspection before the problem spreads.

What Bed Bugs Actually Look Like 

Most people don’t recognize a bed bug right away. Here’s an easy way to picture it:

• Size: About the size of an apple seed
• Shape: Flat and oval (before feeding), more swollen after
• Color: Reddish-brown
• Movement: Slow, but quick to hide when disturbed

They don’t jump or fly. They crawl—and they’re very good at staying hidden in tight spaces.

Subtle Signs Most People Miss

Some of the strongest clues aren’t obvious at first.

In homes across the Tidewater region, our technicians often find:

• Itching that gets worse at night
• Spots on sheets that look like small blood smears
• A faint, musty odor in heavier infestations
• Bites that keep appearing in the same areas

If you’re noticing more than one of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your home inspected before the problem spreads.

When It’s Time to Call the Local Bed Bug Control Experts

Here’s the reality:

Bed bugs are not a DIY problem.

Store-bought sprays and home remedies might kill a few bugs—but they don’t reach:

• Hidden eggs
• Bugs deep in furniture
• Bugs inside walls or cracks

And when bed bugs survive, they spread.

At Getem Services, we’ve seen many cases where DIY attempts actually made infestations worse by scattering the bugs into new areas of the home.

You should call a professional if:

• You’ve found physical signs (spots, shells, or live bugs)
• Bites are happening repeatedly
• You’ve recently traveled or had guests stay over
• You want a clear, confident answer

How Getem Services Gets Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs require a targeted, experienced approach—not guesswork.

Our comprehensive bed bug control services include:

• A detailed inspection to find where bed bugs are hiding
• An initial treatment that reaches cracks, furniture, and hidden areas
• 7-day follow-up to check progress and address any remaining activity
• One last inspection, 14 days later, to confirm the bed bug problem is gone

This step-by-step approach is what allows us to fully eliminate bed bugs—not just reduce them—and why we’re confident in offering a 30-day bed bug warranty so you can move forward without worrying about them coming back.

When It’s Time to Take the Next Step

If you’re asking, “Do I have bed bugs?”—there’s usually a reason.

You don’t need to figure it out alone.

Even if it turns out to be something else, a professional inspection gives you peace of mind and a clear answer. If you’re worried about bed bugs, schedule a bed bug inspection today.

FAQ: Bed Bugs in Hampton Roads Homes

How can I tell if I have bed bugs or fleas?

Flea bites are usually around the ankles and lower legs, while bed bug bites tend to appear on exposed skin like arms, neck, and shoulders. Bed bugs also leave signs in bedding and furniture.

Can you have bed bugs without seeing them?

Yes. Bed bugs are excellent at hiding. Many homeowners don’t see them until the infestation grows or a professional inspection is done.

I didn’t get bites until two weeks after my vacation—could it still be bed bugs?

Yes, it could. Bed bug bites don’t always show up right away. For some people, bites can appear within a day or two—but for others, it can take up to 14 days for a reaction to develop.

Do bed bugs go away on their own?

No. Bed bugs will continue to spread and multiply without professional treatment.

Talk to The Local Bed Bug Control Team

If you’re seeing bites, spotting signs, or just want to be sure, Getem Services is here to help.

As a family-owned company serving Hampton Roads and the Tidewater area for over 100 years, our highly trained and licensed team brings decades of hands-on experience to every inspection and treatment. 

If you’re seeing signs of bed bugs or just want a clear answer, schedule a bed bug inspection today.

Originally published December 26, 2023. Updated March 21, 2026.