Bed bugs are a nightmare for homeowners, and if you’ve ever dealt with them, you know how difficult they are to eliminate. These tiny pests are excellent at hiding and can go unnoticed for months. That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs of bed bugs in your home.
By catching the infestation early, you can prevent it from spreading and causing more problems. In this article, we’ll discuss six signs that you may have bed bugs in your home.
Keep reading to learn how to identify these pests and take action before they become a bigger problem.
1. Unexplained Bites
Bed bugs are small, round, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and other animals. Early signs of bed bugs in the home may include waking up with unexplained bites on the body. These bites can be itchy and cause red, raised welts.
Bed bugs feed on human blood, and their bites are usually found in groups or clusters on exposed skin, such as the arms, legs, and neck. While bed bug bites aren’t usually dangerous, they can be itchy and uncomfortable, and some people may have an allergic reaction to them.
If you’re waking up with unexplained bites on your body, it’s important to inspect your bedding and mattress for signs of bed bug issues. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a professional immediately.
2. Bloodstains on Sheets
There are many signs of bed bugs in the home, from dark marks on furniture to eggshells in areas where they are hiding. One of the most obvious signs of bed bugs can be found on bedroom linens, specifically the sheets.
Bloodstains on sheets indicate the presence of bed bugs, as they feed off of their hosts while they sleep. When bed bugs feed on human blood, they leave behind small spots of blood on sheets. These bloodstains are usually dark red or brown and may be difficult to see on darker colored sheets.
Checking the sheets on a weekly basis can help to detect these signs early, so that you can take the necessary steps to eliminate the problem. With these and other signs of bed bugs in mind, it pays to be vigilant and inspect your home regularly.
3. Fecal Stains on Sheets
Fecal stains on sheets can appear as small, dark reddish or black spots, or in larger spots measuring up to ½ inch across. It can also appear as streaks or smears along the seams of the sheets. Bed bug feces contain digested blood, so they may appear black or dark red in color.
If the fecal stain is rubbed between the fingers, it may smudge, revealing a reddish-brown coloration. Fecal stains on the sheets can be accompanied by shed skin and eggs, which can be seen under a magnifying glass.
If you notice fecal stains on your sheets or other areas of your home, it’s important to contact a professional immediately. Bed bug infestations can quickly spread, and it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
4. Musty Odor
Signs of bed bugs in the home can be difficult to detect as they are nocturnal creatures and remain out of sight during the day. One of the prevalent signs of an infestation is a musty odor.
This odor is caused by the aggregation of the bugs in one area and it can be a telltale sign of an infestation. The musty odor grows in intensity as the population of the bugs grows.
Vacuuming and dusting can reduce the odor, however, it is unlikely to go away until the bed bug infestation is fully eradicated. An experienced pest control professional will be able to confirm that bed bugs are indeed the source of the musty odor after conducting a thorough assessment.
5. Shed Skins
Bed bugs, as they develop, molt their exoskeleton five times, leaving behind an empty casing as they grow and move on to the next stage of development. These shed skins can be observed directly and are generally brownish-red in color. They are often small and range in size from 1.5mm to 3mm.
In addition to shedding their skin, bed bugs have also been known to leave behind their feces, eggs, and eggshells. These signs of bed bugs can provide insight on whether they are, or have been, active in the home. This can be important knowledge in order to assess and take action against an infestation.
6. Live Bed Bugs
The most obvious sign of bed bugs in the home is the presence of live bugs. Bed bugs are small, flat, and reddish-brown in color. They are usually found hiding in cracks and crevices near your bed, such as in the seams of your mattress or the headboard. If you see live bugs crawling on your sheets or mattress, it is a clear sign that you have a bed bug problem.
If you notice any of these signs of bed bugs in your home, it is important to take action immediately. Bed bugs can multiply quickly and infest your entire home in a short amount of time. A pest control professional can help you get rid of bed bugs quickly and effectively.
Professionals use a variety of methods to eliminate bed bugs from your home, including heat treatments and chemical treatments. They also offer preventative measures to help you avoid future infestations. Contact Fast Action Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and get rid of bed bugs for good.
Be Aware of the Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are not a problem that you want to ignore. They can quickly multiply and cause discomfort and distress for you and your family. Knowing the signs of bed bugs is essential for early detection and prevention.
If you suspect that you have a bed bug problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control company. They can provide effective solutions to eliminate bed bugs from your home and give you peace of mind.
Remember, the sooner you address the problem, the easier it will be to eradicate these pesky pests. To learn more tips and info, visit our page today!
