If you suspect you might have a bedbug infestation, the first place to look is the crevices of your mattress for evidence of the insects, which includes the actual bugs, feces and skin.

If you find you have bedbugs, all bedding must be washed in hot water. Mattresses and cloth furniture must be thrown out in many cases. Your entire home should be vacuumed thoroughly and clothes and other fabrics should be wrapped in plastic while the space is cleaned professionally. Special attention should be paid to wooden floors and baseboards.

A professional exterminator should also be called to spray for any remaining bugs. This process should be repeated until you are completely sure the bugs have been removed. It often takes several tries. Professional exterminators may employ specially trained dogs who can sniff out any evidence of remaining bugs.