Bed bugs are unwelcome guests that no homeowner wants to deal with. These tiny pests feed on blood and are infamous for being hard to detect until they’ve established a foothold in your home. The earlier you can identify an infestation, the easier it is to resolve with professional pest control services from Saela Pest Control.
If you’re concerned about bed bugs, here are five telltale signs that could indicate they’ve invaded your space.
1. Bite Marks on Your Skin
One of the earliest signs of a bed bug infestation is waking up with itchy red bite marks on your skin. Bed bugs typically feed at night and prefer areas of exposed skin, such as your arms, neck, and legs. Their bites often appear as small, inflamed welts that may be clustered together or in a straight line.
However, don’t rely solely on bite marks to confirm an infestation. Some people don’t react to bed bug bites, while others may mistake them for mosquito or flea bites. If you suspect bed bugs, look for other signs to support your suspicions.
2. Rusty or Dark Stains on Bedding
Bed bugs are messy eaters. After feeding on a person’s blood, they sometimes leave behind small, rust-colored stains on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses. These stains result from crushed or engorged bugs during the night.
In addition, you might spot dark spots on your bedding or furniture. These specks, often mistaken for dirt, are actually bed bug feces. They’re commonly found around mattresses, box springs, and seams where bed bugs tend to hide.
3. Discarded Bed Bug Skins and Eggs
Bed bugs go through multiple life stages, regularly shedding their skin as they grow. If your home has an infestation, you may find these translucent, shell-like skins in areas where bed bugs hide. They’re lightweight and often gather near mattress seams, behind headboards, or in cracks and crevices.
You might also spot bed bug eggs, though they’re more challenging to identify. Eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead, and are whitish in color. They’re typically stuck to surfaces in hidden areas like between furniture joints or in upholstery.
4. Live Bed Bug Sightings
While bed bugs are masters of hiding, spotting a live one is a clear and undeniable sign of an infestation. Adult bed bugs are small but visible to the naked eye, about the size of an apple seed. They are reddish-brown in color and have flat, oval-shaped bodies.
Check the most common hiding spots first, like mattress seams, baseboards, and cracks in furniture. Keep in mind that bed bugs tend to be active at night, so you’re more likely to see them if you inspect during the evening hours.
5. A Musty, Unpleasant Odor
When a bed bug infestation becomes severe, you may notice a musty, slightly sweet odor in the affected areas. This smell comes from the pheromones bed bugs release as they communicate with one another. Some people compare the odor to the scent of old shoes or wet towels.
Keep in mind that this odor is more common when the infestation has grown large, and it’s not always the first sign you’ll notice. So, if you detect an unusual smell, it’s a good idea to check for other indicators of bed bugs.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading. Begin by thoroughly inspecting your home, particularly in areas where bed bugs are most likely to hide, like beds, couches, and furniture.
For minor infestations, start by washing all linens, clothing, and bedding on high heat, vacuuming thoroughly, and sealing cracks or crevices. If the infestation is more widespread or if you’re unsure, you should contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.
