5 Signs You Have Bed Bugs in Your Home
Did you ever hear the adorable phrase, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!”? Unfortunately, these creepy crawlers are biting in every single US state.
While some critter infestations appear quite obvious, bed bugs tend to hide well. If you notice bite marks or itchy skin, it is crucial to contact a bed bug control service to inspect your home and safely remove an infestation.
Read on to learn about the five signs of bed bugs and tips for getting rid of them
1. Bite Marks
As declared, bed bugs bite. They use their elongated beak to pierce the skin and feed on blood. This leaves marks.
They can bite anywhere. But, you will typically notice marks where you leave your skin exposed. Most often, people will notice the bites on their faces, neck, and arms.
For some people, the bite feels painless. They may only notice inexplicable dots on their skin.
Others develop hypersensitivity to bed bug bites. This results in:
- Swelling
- Dark red bumps with light red inflammation surrounding them
- Itching or burning sensation
- Pain
- Welts
Bedbug bites differ from other bug bites in the pattern. Rather than one or more bites randomly spread around the body, you will notice a line or zigzag pattern.
2. Blood Stains
One of the most common signs of bed bugs is bloodstains. They feed on your blood as you sleep, so some seep out.
You may actually find them spotted on pajamas before you notice the bite if you do not develop a sensitivity. You may also notice dried blood on the sheets.
Do not expect a large amount. These critters only grow to about five to seven mm, so they leave droplets barely larger than pinheads.
3. Shell Remains
The two types of bed bugs that feed on human blood both molt their shells. If you find small casings in your sheets or around the edges of your mattress, this could indicate a problem.
Also note, only young bed bugs molt, because once full-grown, they keep their shells. This means that casings indicate a growing infestation.
4. Strange Scent
In order to communicate with the colony, bed bugs release chemical messengers called pheromones. People often describe the smell as musty. You might say that their communication stinks!
5. Messy Mattress
These tiny bugs tend to nest in dark, undisturbed places near their food source. This makes your mattress a perfect spot.
If you suspect a bed bug problem, lift your mattress. Their feces may leave behind rust-colored stains. You might also see tiny white spots from their eggs or recent hatches.
Tips for Bed Bug Removal
Bed bugs cause more than a grotesque annoyance. The bites may disturb your sleep and cause painful allergic reactions. Since they feed on blood, a large infestation may even lead to anemia over time, especially in small children.
Getting rid of bed bugs is not easy. You can dispose of all furniture and wash all clothing in hot water for 30 minutes. Hire professionals from Stop Pest Control Power Washing Inc. for best results.
Don’t Ignore Signs You Have Bed Bugs
These annoying pests will not go away on their own. Do not ignore signs you have bed bugs because the quicker you treat it, the easier it will be to rid your home of the infestation.
Looking to live a healthier lifestyle? Find more great tips on our health page!