How to Identify Common Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Are you constantly waking up to itchy, red bites that make you feel like a human buffet? Do you find yourself sniffing your sheets and wondering if you accidentally spilled almond extract on them?
If so, it’s time to face the music—you may have a bed bug infestation!
Bed bugs are small, brown, oval-like insects that feed on human or animal blood. They’re nocturnal and usually hide during the day, making it difficult to spot them.
But don’t panic just yet. We’ll walk you through the common signs of bed bug infestation. Let’s kick those pesky bugs to the curb.
Bites
Bed bug bites are small, red, and itchy, and they’re usually found on areas of skin that are exposed while sleeping, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. The bites may appear in clusters or lines and can be mistaken for other insect bites or rashes.
If you wake up with itchy, red bites that weren’t there before you went to bed, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation.
Bloodstains
When bed bugs bite, they leave behind tiny droplets of blood on the skin. This blood may be visible as minor, reddish-brown stains on your sheets or pillowcases. You may also notice bloodstains on your pajamas or other clothing if you have been bitten at night.
Fecal Stains
Bed bugs excrete fecal matter that is dark brown or black. These stains may be visible on your bedding, mattress, or walls near where they’re hiding. You can identify bed bug fecal stains by their small size and distinct pattern of dots or smears.
Musty Odor
Bed bugs release a musty odor from their scent glands, which can signify a large infestation. This odor is often described as sweet or sickly, similar to almonds or coriander. It may be worth investigating further if you notice an unusual smell in your bedroom or other areas of your home.
Shed Skins
Like many insects, bed bugs molt. These skins are translucent and may be found on your mattress, bedding, or in hiding places such as cracks and crevices in your walls or furniture.
If you notice these skins, it is a sign that bed bugs are present and actively reproducing in your home.
Live Bed Bugs
If you’re unlucky enough to spot a live bed bug, it is a sure sign of an infestation. Bedbugs are apple seed-sized, flat, and reddish-brown.
They can be found in the seams of your mattress, along the edges of your carpet, and in other hiding places. You might also notice bed bug eggs.
Always hire professional residential pest protection services to remove bed bug infestations effectively.
Do You See signs of a Bed Bug Infestation? Call a Pro
If you notice signs of bed bug infestation, take action immediately. Bed bugs are challenging to eliminate independently, and DIY treatments are often ineffective.
Contact a professional pest control company specializing in bed bug extermination to inspect and treat your home. A trained technician will be able to identify the source of the infestation and develop a treatment plan that will eliminate the bed bugs from your home.
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