Early Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a growing problem in the United States. In recent years, their numbers have exploded, and they are now found in all fifty states. If you think you have bed bugs, it is important to know how to detect them and what to do if you have an infestation. This guide will discuss the early signs of bed bug infestations and what you can do to get rid of them.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that can be found in many different places but are most commonly associated with mattresses and bedding.
They are nocturnal and come out at night to feed on their hosts while they sleep. These bugs have been around since ancient times, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that they started becoming a problem in homes across America.
Bed bug infestations can be difficult to detect because of their small size. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, and they can be hard to see with the naked eye in their earlier stages.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs prefer to hide in small cracks and crevices close to where humans sleep. However, they can also be found in furniture, luggage, or clothing left on the floor for long periods.
Bed bug infestations are commonly associated with hotels or motels because these areas tend to have more people coming and going. However, bed bugs can be found in any type of building, whether it is a single-family home or an office building.
10 Early Signs of Bed Bugs
One of the keys to preventing a bed bug infestation is early detection. If you are able to catch the bugs before they have a chance to multiply, it will be much easier to get rid of them.
Here are some of the early signs that you might have a bed bug problem in your home:
1
Unexplained musty odor
One of the first signs of a bed bug infestation is an unexplained musty odor. This smell is caused by the bed bugs’ excrement and can be detected in areas where they are hiding.
Bed bugs emit “alarm” pheromones when they are disturbed, and these pheromones can also cause a musty odor.
If you notice a musty smell in your home and you cannot identify the source, it is possible that you have a bed bug infestation.
2
Skin irritation
If you wake up with itchy, red skin, you may have a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs feed on human blood and can leave behind small red marks or welts on your skin. These bed bug bites are often in a line or cluster and can be very itchy.
If bed bugs have bitten you, there are a few things you can do to relieve the itchiness and irritation.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area. This will help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine or ibuprofen to help relieve the itching.
- Do not scratch the bites, as this can cause further irritation and infection
This skin irritation could feel like an allergic reaction, so it is important to get checked out by a doctor if you are not sure what is causing the irritation.
3
Bloodstains on sheets
Bed bugs are known for their tendency to leave bloodstains on sheets and pillowcases. So if you notice any small, dark red stains on your bedding, it is possible that you have a bed bug infestation.
Bloodstains can be a sign of an active infestation, so it is important to take action right away if you see any marks like this on your sheets.
4
Fecal marks
Bed bugs excrete dark fecal matter after a blood meal. They tend to leave behind these marks in places where they hide and feed, like in the seams of mattresses, box springs or frames, and headboards.
You may also find small spots of insect waste on sheets or pillowcases near their hiding areas. These fecal marks are a vital sign of an infestation.
5
Dead insects
This is perhaps one of the most obvious signs of an infestation, as bed bugs tend to leave their droppings and carcasses behind. If you see any evidence of dead insects in your bed or around it, this is a clear sign of an issue.
This is why it’s so important to be vigilant and inspect your mattress or bedding for dead bed bugs. Especially if you have a memory foam mattress, as it can often create crevices for them to hide in, it can also make it difficult to spot bugs due to the fabric of the material itself.
6
Red bumps or welts
Another common sign of bed bugs is red bumps or welts on the skin, which can often be mistaken for mosquito bites. However, unlike mosquito bites, these bumps will not go away and typically get worse over time.
If you start to notice any strange marks or rashes on your body, it’s best to consult a doctor, as it could be a sign of bed bugs.
7
Disturbed sleep
One of the most common symptoms of bed bugs is disturbed sleep. This is because the bugs tend to bite people while they are sleeping, which can cause them to wake up feeling itchy and uncomfortable.
If you’re starting to notice that you’re not getting as much rest as usual, it could be a sign that you need to get your bed inspected.
8
Pet behavior changes
If you notice that your pet is acting out, particularly around your bed or in the bedroom, it could be a sign that bed bugs are present. This is why pets can often be extremely helpful when detecting infestations of these insects.
Although this may seem like an unusual symptom to look for, it could be worth asking a vet for advice if nothing else seems to be working.
9
Bed bug eggs
One of the clearest signs that bed bugs are present is finding their eggs. Bed bug eggs are small, round, and white and can be found in clusters near where the bugs themselves are hiding.
Pregnant female bed bugs lay around five eggs a day, so if you’re finding more than a few eggs, it’s likely that you have an infestation.
Eggs are visible to the naked eye, so if you’re unsure whether or not you have bed bugs, take a close look at your mattress and bedding. If you see any eggs, it’s time to take action.
10
Live bed bugs
This is the most obvious sign of bed bugs and one that you should always be on the lookout for. If you see live bed bugs in your home or bedroom, it’s likely that they’ve already started to breed.
Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, which means they stay hidden during the day and come out to feed at night. This is why they are so difficult to spot and can go unnoticed for months.
If you don’t see the actual bed bugs, try looking for any of the other signs listed above. If you’re still unsure whether or not you have bed bugs, it may be worth hiring a professional pest control service to check your home.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
If you think you might have a bed bug infestation, it is important to take action right away. There are a few things you can do to get rid of bed bugs:
Call a professional pest control company
This is the best option for getting rid of bed bugs, as they have the experience and tools to do so.
Bed bug spray
If you want to try to get rid of the bugs yourself, there are a few sprays available online and at drug stores. However, these can be difficult to use and may not be effective.
Clean your home and sheets regularly
Use a vacuum on your mattress, box spring, and around your home to suck up any lingering bed bugs. Wash and dry your sheets and clothing on high heat. This should kill any bed bugs attached to them.
Prevent further infestations
The best way to prevent bed bugs from coming back is to be vigilant and inspect your mattress, bedding, and bedroom regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
How do bed bugs suddenly appear?
Bed bugs can come into your home in a number of ways – through luggage, clothes, or bedding, for example. They are often brought in from other people’s homes, so it’s important to be thorough when inspecting your belongings when you travel.
2
Can I get rid of bed bugs on my own?
Yes, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to call a professional pest control company. They will have the experience and tools necessary for the job.
3
When should I call an exterminator about bed bugs?
If you’re finding any of these early signs of bed bugs in your home, it’s a good idea to call an exterminator.
4
How do you know if bed bugs are gone?
It can be difficult to tell whether or not bed bugs are gone from your home as they can go unnoticed for months. If you haven’t seen any of the signs mentioned above for several weeks, it’s likely that the infestation has been dealt with. However, it is important to stay vigilant and inspect your home regularly.
Although bed bugs may not seem like the most severe infestation to deal with, they can cause many issues that are difficult to ignore. This is why it’s essential to make sure you know what signs and symptoms to look out for.
If you’re finding any of the above signs and symptoms in your home, it’s time to take action immediately before the infestation gets worse.