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Your free bed bug Inspection

The first step to nixing your bed bug problem starts with scheduling your free inspection.

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Content Updated: September 22, 2025



A professional bed bug inspection is a crucial first step that allows our experts to locate infestations, which can be easy to miss. An inspection will help our bed bug exterminators determine if bugs are present and create a customized treatment plan, saving you time and money on ineffective DIY  methods.

What happens during a bed bug inspection?

Our experts will discuss your concerns and conduct a detailed bed bug inspection. Since bed bugs can slip into tiny spaces that are easy to miss, we go beyond a quick look, inspecting mattresses, furniture, and even electrical outlets.

Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a full report of our findings and recommended next steps, including bed bug treatment costs. This will give you peace of mind that nothing has been overlooked.

  • Explain what to expect before, during, and after a professional or free bed bug inspection
  • Give a walk-through of a typical inspection visit, including how inspectors check mattresses, box springs, and other hard-to-reach hiding places
  • Explain standard inspection methods (visual search, bed frames, crevices, mattresses, and box springs)

Read on to learn more about what to expect during a bed bug inspection.

What do bed bug inspectors look for?

Our experts conduct a detailed bed bug inspection to find potential signs of an infestation, no matter how small. They know where and what to look for, which is critical since bed bugs are masters at hiding.

bed bug mattress inspection

The inspection goes far beyond the bed itself. We examine:

  • The mattress seams, tufts, and folds
  • The box spring
  • Headboards
  • Bed frames
  • Upholstered furniture, including couches and chairs
  • Other areas around the bed, such as electrical outlets, baseboards, picture frames, and carpet edges

Our inspectors will also identify if there are signs of bed bugs, including:

  • Live bed bugs: These pests are typically oval-shaped, flat, and reddish‑brown.
  • Fecal spots: These are small, dark, or rusty-colored stains on mattresses, bedding, and furniture.
  • Bed bug eggs: Bed bug eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead, and are white with an oval shape.
  • Shed skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer skin. These empty, translucent skins can be found where they hide.
bed bugs in mattress

How can I prepare for a bed bug inspection?

To ensure your bed bug inspection is as effective as possible, it's important to prepare your home. However, be cautious when moving items around, as this can contribute to how bed bugs spread to other rooms.

bed bug mattress inspection
  • Handle items cautiously: Instead of removing clutter, carefully place any items you need to move into plastic totes or sealed plastic bags. This helps prevent bed bugs from escaping and spreading.
  • Create access: Ensure our inspector can easily access key furniture pieces, especially sleeping areas like beds and couches. Clear away items that may block access, but avoid moving the furniture itself. This helps prevent disturbing bed bugs and ensures a more accurate inspection.
  • Provide information: Be ready to discuss where you've seen signs of bed bugs, when you first noticed them, and any travel history that might have exposed you to them.

Do not attempt to treat the bed bug problem yourself with store-bought sprays or other DIY methods. These products are often ineffective and can cause the bugs to scatter, spreading the infestation.

What happens if they find a bed bug infestation?

If our bed bug inspection confirms there is a problem, your technician will outline the next steps with you, including a customized action plan and explaining the extent of the infestation. Your technician may suggest one or more of the following treatment methods:

  • Insecticides: Targeted applications of professional-grade insecticides can be used to treat cracks, crevices, and other common hiding spots.
  • Fumigation: For severe infestations, fumigation is a highly effective option that fills an area with a gas to eliminate bed bugs in all stages of life.
  • Heat treatment: Also used for severe infestations, this method uses high temperatures to help eliminate bed bugs and their eggs throughout your property, even in hard-to-reach places.

If no bed bugs are found, our technicians can still provide valuable advice on protecting your home from future infestations. This may include tips on what to look for after traveling, how to inspect secondhand furniture, and other preventative measures.

Is a bed bug inspection from Terminix really free?

Yes, an initial bed bug inspection from Terminix is free. Our goal is to identify if bed bugs are present in your home and provide a tailored treatment plan that can help eliminate bed bugs at all life stages. Bed bug treatment costs can vary depending on several factors, but our experts will answer any questions you have.