Bed bugs are never good news but one thing is true: it is better to catch early signs of bed bugs than late. If left untreated or undiscovered a small bed bug problem can turn into a major infestation.
Knowing how to check for bed bugs and the right bed bug treatment can stop a developing problem in its tracks. Before the condition gets worse checking for these can help you reach out for assistance.
We have mentioned an in-depth guide on the early signs of bed bugs and what you should do when you notice them.
Early Signs of Bed Bugs
These pests tend to come out at night. It is not always obvious that you have a growing problem. But there are early signs of bed bugs that can clue you into an issue.
Some indications of infestation are clearer than others. So if you are in doubt you should thoroughly investigate your suspicions and possibly consider calling bed bug exterminator.
1. Marks on Your Skin
Bed bugs feed on both human and animal blood. That means if you are their source of food. You might start noticing some small sized red bumps on the exposed areas of your skin.
It happens generally in areas that are exposed while you sleep you may develop blisters or hives around the bite in cases of an extreme allergic reaction.
Keep in mind that they are called bed bugs but these insects can also take up residence in couches and chairs, also even small crevices in your home.
2. Small Red or Black Stains on the mattress
You might be able to find signs of them on your sheets or bedding even when bed bugs are in hiding. Specifically if you were repeatedly bitten during the night there may be small blood marks on the bedding from your unhealed wound.
Small black, brown or reddish marks on your bedding can also be caused by bed bugs. The marks are often concentrated for early-stage infestations.
3. Strange Smells
This sounds a little disgusting but you need to hear this.
If you have noticed strange odours inside your home commercial offices etc. then it might be coming from an infestation of bugs.
As the pest infestation grows bed bugs die. There is more bed bug faecal matter in the mix. The smell might become mustier like wet clothes left in the washing machine too long.
4. Cast Skins and Eggs
Before reaching adulthood the young bed bugs change their skin five times. a hefty blood meal is requires for Each of these moulting stages.
So if you notice bed bug cast skins alongside bloodstains on your sheets or blankets be sure you have an infestation. These shed skins look like brown spots and are bug-shaped.
Bed bug eggs are hard to find as these are very small and the pearly white colour lets them blend in with ythe background. Once you are sure there are bed bugs in your mattress you can actively look for the eggs and destroy them.
5. Discomfort among Your Family
One of the biggest signs that you have a bed bug problem is when several members of your family are experiencing the same discomfort at night.
If you and your loved ones are all waking up with bug bites that are painful and itchy you need to take it as a sign or a much larger issue.
Once bed bugs rise at an alarming rate after they get into your home. So you need to contact a professional right away to prevent the problem from getting any worse.
6. Live Bed Bugs
If you see one bed bug it is almost certain that more will follow. But not only are bed bugs good at hiding. These pests can also be easily confused for similar-looking insects. If you suspect you have found a bed bug start looking for its breeding spot by examining the bedding and cushions.
To see if there are more you might need to shake them loose.
Ways to Check for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are noticeable pests that often hide in various nooks around your bed making them challenging to detect if you are unfamiliar with what to look for.
Conduct a thorough inspection which is important if you suspect an infestation by doing the following:
- Take off the sheets, blankets and mattress protectors.
- Thoroughly inspect the mattress seams, tufts and folds with careful focus on corners and edges.
- Check the cervices of your bed frame also the headboard and footboard.
- Inspect any loose or torn fabric on your mattress or box spring.
- Examine the furniture you have nearby including the nightstands and dressers also chairs.
- Carefully check your luggage and personal belongings after travelling if you think that you need Bed Bug Treatment.
Wrapping Up
Keep in mind that bed bugs can spread rapidly. So simply removing the source of the issue, like a new mattress, may not always solve the problem.
If you spot bed bugs you might want assurance that you are effectively addressing the issue. Consider reaching out to bed bug exterminators for bed bug treatment. Exterminators employ various methods to eliminate bed bugs depending on the severity of the infestation and the specific company.
