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Are you worried about a potential bed bug infestation? Here’s everything you need to know about how to identify the first sign of bed bugs. Bed bugs infestations have become more common in recent years. Even though these tiny bugs don’t spread any dangerous diseases, they feed on your blood and leave you with uncomfortable bites.
The good news is that it’s possible to deal with a bed bug infestation if you have one. The key is to spot it as quickly as you can. Once you’ve spotted the signs of bed bugs, it’s best to call in the professionals to rid your home of these little critters.
The problem is, a lot of people don’t even know what a bed bug looks like. They also don’t know the signs of bed bugs lurking under the sheets. If this is true with you, we invite you to continue reading to learn about the early warning signs that you have bed bugs.
How to Spot & What to Do at the First Sign of Bed Bugs in Your Home
Bite Marks
One of the most obvious signs that you have bed bugs is that you are being bitten at night. The trouble is, these itchy red bites are often mistaken for other insect bites or stings. How can you tell if your bites are from bed bugs?
There’s no definitive way of telling for certain. However, bed bugs usually tend to bite around the arms and shoulders, whereas other bugs will often focus on the legs. If you find yourself with bites on your arms, then this might be the first sign of bed bugs.
If you’re not certain that you have bed bugs, you can purchase an interception device. These are designed to be placed near your bed and catch the bugs as they travel to and from your sleeping area. If you catch any bugs, you can be sure you have an infestation.
As soon as you know you have a bed bug problem you need to act. There are DIY treatments available, but the best course of action is to call in the professionals. If you’re looking for help with pest control click here!
Dark Spots
Bed bugs, much like vampires, feed only on blood. Unfortunately, bed bugs actually exist. Bed bugs guzzle down so much of the stuff that they usually can’t keep it all in. As a result, some blood is excreted, and this gives another tell-tale sign that you have bed bugs.
Look for small dark or rust-colored marks on your sheets, pillows, or mattress. You might even see them on walls, ceilings, clothing, furniture, and other materials.
In your bed, you’re most likely to find these marks in the corners and seams of your mattress because these are the areas where bed bugs like to sleep during the day, ready to come out at night and start biting.
An Unusual Odor
Another way to determine if you may have bed bugs is to use your nose. Bed bugs emit pheromones, and if there are enough bugs this can become quite an obvious smell in your home. The smell is often described as being musty, like the smell of a damp towel, or sickly sweet. If you don’t have any damp towels lying around in your bedroom, then this smell may be a sign that you have bed bugs.
If you do notice the smell, then you should look for any of the other signs of bed bugs on this list, in order to determine if bed bugs are the source of the unpleasant odor. The sooner you can find them, the sooner you can deal with them.
Discarded Shells
Another visual sign of bed bugs is finding their discarded shells. Bed bugs shed their skins five times before reaching maturity. They need to feed between each molting, meaning every shell you find is from a bug that had fed. Potentially on you!
These shells are small and brown, about the size of an apple seed, and resemble a living bed bug. If you find the shells then it’s highly like you still have bed bugs in your home. That means it’s time to take action.
The discarded shells continue to emit pheromones, and it is believed that living bed bugs are drawn to the smell of discarded shells. If you find do find any shells, the sooner you can clear them up, the better. Getting rid of the shells won’t get rid of the problem, however; it’s time to call in some professional help.
Finding the Bugs
All of the above signs give you an indication that you have a bed bug infestation. The only way you will know for certain is by finding the bugs themselves. This is easier said than done. Bed bugs hide during the daytime and only come out at night to feed (did we mention vampires?) so it’s not always that easy to track them down.
One of the best places to look is along and under the seams of your mattress. These crevices are a perfect place for bed bugs to tuck themselves away during the day and it means they don’t have as far to return during the night. Try lifting up the seams of your mattress and taking a look underneath to see if you can spot any bed bugs.
Bed bugs are about the size of an apple pit. They have six legs, and two antennae and are usually a golden-brown or honey color. If you’re convinced you have bed bugs, but can’t find them then you should definitely consider trying an interception device that will capture them when they’re on patrol at night.
Take Action at the First Sign of Bed Bugs
As soon as you discover the first sign of bed bugs, you must take action. The longer you leave it, the larger the infestation will grow, and the more likely you are to get bitten.
You can try to treat bed bugs yourself, but if you want the job done properly, then we recommend calling the professionals. Doing so gives you peace of mind that your bed bugs are being dealt with quickly and efficiently.
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About the Author: Ashley Edwards
