7 Warning Signs Of Bed Bugs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Around 97% of pest controllers have dealt with bed bug infestations in the past year, which shows how common this issue is.

Bed bugs can wreak havoc on your furniture and cause your household discomfort if gone unnoticed. Perhaps you’re suspicious that you’ve got a bed bug infestation, but you’re unsure how to tell.

Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the seven telltale signs of bed bugs.

1. Itchy and Red Bumps on Your Skin

One of the most common early signs of bed bugs is having irritated skin. Check whether you have any pink bumps as it’s likely a bed bug bite, especially if there are several in a row.

It takes time for these to develop as bed bugs inject a natural anesthetic that numbs the pain so you’re unaware of their presence. But if you notice these, then contact pest control so they can handle your potential bed bug infestation.

You should also consider how well you sleep. Because bed bugs feast at night, you may have an interrupted sleep because your skin itches and burns.

2. Blood Stains on Bedding

An obvious sign that you need bed bug removal is if you have bloodstains on your bedding. These look like rust-covered spots and appear on your mattress, bedsheets, and even your clothing.

Further, these stains could be from old bed bite wounds. They are often itchy so if you accidentally scratch them, then they can bleed.

3. Bad Odor

Many people who have a bed bug infestation notice that there’s an odor throughout the home. It’s often described as spoiled raspberries or coriander and has musty undertones. This is the result of bed bugs releasing pheromones or because of their crushed bodies.

But, unless you have a serious bed bug problem, this can be difficult for the human nose to pick up. As a general rule, when you notice the smell, then the infestation is already severe.

4. Visible Bed Bug Droppings

Not sure whether you need to hire a bed bug extermination team? Then check your bedding and furniture for signs of their feces.

Bed bugs defecate as they feed, and because they love blood, their fecal droppings are a reddish color. You should also check for stains in cracks, seams, or any other crevices around your home as they love to hide there. And don’t forget to check the wall, especially near the ceiling, as bed bugs squeeze in between them.

To check if it’s bed bug droppings, grab a damp cloth and rub it over the stains. As the feces is mostly dried blood, the damp cloth will make the spots red again which means you have an infestation.

5. People You Know Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can easily spread between homes, especially if you’re traveling within the same apartment building. Because of this, avoid visiting someone else’s home if you have a bed bug infestation.

You should also check hotel rooms for bed bugs, regardless of whether you’re staying in a motel or a five-star resort. This is because the pests can burrow into your luggage and infest your home, so pack outside and sanitize your bag to prevent a spread.

Luckily, they’re easy to remove. Simply throw your laundry into the washing machine, add detergent, and turn on the hottest setting to remove any potential pests.

Another issue is if you’ve recently brought a second-hand mattress or furniture into your home without washing it. To be safe, thoroughly inspect each piece before making a purchase.

6. Visible Eggs and Shells

A major sign that you need a bed bug service is if you spot any eggs or shells.

Once bed bugs hatch then they shed their skin, leaving behind reddish-brown shells that are 4 millimeters long. So check whether you can see any in your bedding or furniture.

Eggs are difficult to spot as they’re a millimeter in length but again, they will be in any creases or cracks in your home.

7. Spotting Bed Bugs

Homeowners who have a severe infestation can spot these pests around the home. Note that adult bed bugs are the size of an apple seed but note that they are nocturnal.

To find them, remove your bedding, check underneath your mattress, and around the headboard for any signs. You should also inspect the room such as the chairs, behind curtains, and around the edges of the carpet. Also, the closet is an attractive place for bed bugs so examine each piece of clothing thoroughly for signs.

You should also consider your pet’s behavior. Although bed bugs prefer humans, there are times when they bite animals and your furry friend will act like they’ve got fleas.

Removing Bed Bugs

Start by clearing all clutter and remove any infested items like books or clothing. But don’t move these into a new room as you’ll spread the infestation throughout your home.

Employing professional pest control, particularly bed bug control professionals transcends DIY methods’ efficacy by leveraging expert strategies like heat treatment, which proficiently lures bed bugs from hiding and exterminates them.

Additionally, chemical treatments serve as a potent alternative, instantly killing pests, though necessitating a follow-up session to eradicate any subsequent hatchlings from previously laid eggs, ensuring thorough and enduring pest elimination.

The Main Signs of Bed Bugs

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the seven signs of bed bugs so you can take immediate action.

Check your skin for any marks or if there’s blood on your furniture. You should also look out for signs of eggs or bedbug shells, and if there are is, then call a pest controller immediately!

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