Signs Your Business Might Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs don’t just hide in homes or hotels. They can live in office buildings too. These tiny pests travel easily and settle in places where people sit, work, or leave their belongings. If you notice strange bites, odd smells, or small stains on chairs, don’t ignore them. Catching the problem early makes all the difference. Bed bugs multiply fast, and once they spread, removing them becomes much harder. 

In this blog, we’ll explore five common areas where bed bugs may be hiding in your workplace. 

Signs to Look Out for at Your Workplace 

1. Reddish Stains on Chairs and Sofas

You might spot tiny reddish-brown marks on breakroom sofas, desk chairs, or soft benches. These stains usually come from crushed bed bugs or their droppings. They often appear in the seams of cushions or the corners of padded furniture. Even though they’re small, these stains show up clearly on light-colored fabrics. Cleaning crews might miss them, so take time to check the furniture your team uses every day. 

2. Itchy Bites After a Workday

If your team starts complaining about itchy spots on their arms, legs, or necks, check their workstations. Bed bug bites often appear in clusters or lines. They usually show up after sitting still for long periods—like during a shift or meeting. Some people might brush it off as a skin allergy or insect bite from outside. But if more than one person mentions the same problem, especially from the same area, you should act fast. 

3. A Strong Musty Smell in Certain Rooms

Bed bugs release a scent that smells sweet or musty. The smell grows stronger as the number of bugs increases. You may notice it in quiet areas like meeting rooms, storage closets, or file rooms that stay closed most of the time. This smell doesn’t come from food or trash. If cleaning doesn’t remove the odor, and it keeps coming back, bed bugs could be the cause. 

4. Shed Skins or Tiny White Eggs

As they grow, bed bugs leave behind their old shells. These skins are thin, and pale, and often collect in hidden spots. You might find them in office chair seams, desk drawers, or behind baseboards. You may also notice tiny white eggs stuck to hard surfaces. They’re about the size of a pinhead. While they’re hard to see from a distance, a close inspection will reveal them. If your office uses cleaning services, ask them to report anything unusual they find during routine cleaning. 

5. Staff Spotting Bugs on Furniture or Walls

Your employees might be the first to notice these pests. If someone sees a flat, brown bug crawling on a chair, desk, or carpet, take it seriously. Bed bugs often come out during low activity, so sightings during early mornings or after hours are common. One sighting might not mean much, but more than one sighting in a short time means trouble. Treat every report like it matters. 

What You Should Do Next

Don’t wait if you see any of these signs. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse. Don’t rely on sprays or traps from the store—they won’t fix the root of the issue. Instead, work with pest control experts who understand how bed bugs behave. 

At RJM Pest Services, we help offices stay free of pests like bed bugs. Our team checks every corner and treats the problem without delay. If you think your building has signs of bed bugs, reach out today. Let’s create a plan that keeps your office safe and your business moving forward.