Not sure

I am not sure if I found a bed bug. No evidence at all, but had a pile of clothes on the floor and when I went to spot treat a shirt, there was a bug that looked like a bed bug. When I went to kill it, it left a brownish stain on the shirt.

I have recently returned from a trip to AZ where I suspected seeing a bed bug. They changed our room we didn't sleep there) and found no evidence of an infestation. Now that was 2 weeks ago, but today I found a bug at our lake home and no evidence of any eggs, or other bugs. No bites either. Could I have brought home bugs with me? Should I have our lake home treated with just finding one bug and not sure that it is a bedbug?

Editor Comment on Finding Bed Bugs After Travel

It's difficult to determine if the bug you found is a bed bug without a proper identification. However, if you have recently traveled to a location where bed bugs are known to be a problem and you are finding an unfamiliar bug, it's always better to err on the side of caution and take necessary measures to ensure that your home is bed bug-free.

If you are unsure if the bug you found is a bed bug, you can take a picture of it and send it to a pest control professional or an entomologist for proper identification (you can mail it to Cornell University. They will be able to tell you if it is indeed a bed bug or some other type of insect.

It's also important to note that bed bugs are known to travel in clothing and luggage, so it's possible that you may have inadvertently brought them home with you. If you suspect that you may have brought bed bugs home with you, it's essential to take proactive steps to prevent a full-blown infestation.

As for your lake home, if you are unsure if the bug you found is a bed bug, it's always better to be safe than sorry and have a pest control professional inspect your home. They can help identify any potential bed bug problems and take necessary steps to eliminate them before they become a more significant issue.

Best of Luck,

Jeff
Editor
Bed Bugs Handbook