How to Identify a Bed Bugs Infestation: Common Symptoms and Signs

Do you hear scratching noises in the middle of the night coming from your bed? Have you spotted the bed bugs? An infestation can be hard to miss.

Bed bugs are back with a vengeance. As more people travel and more hotels experience outbreaks, these pests have found their way into our homes, too. And it’s not just travelling that can invite bedbugs back with people – it’s possible to get bed bugs in clothings stores, which then spread to customers and into their homes.

While it should go without saying, any sign of bed bugs should be taken seriously. Don’t wait to take action. Read on to learn about the common bed bugs infestation symptoms and signs.

Bites on Your Skin

One of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation is bites on your skin. Bed bugs feed on human blood and leave behind itchy, red bumps in the affected area.

These bed bug bites can appear in a line or a cluster and are often mistaken for other insect bites or skin rashes. If you notice these bites on your skin, especially in areas like the neck, arms, legs, and shoulders, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation.

Bloodstains on Your Bedding or Mattress

Another symptom of a bed bug infestation is the presence of bloodstains on your bedding or mattress. As the bugs feed, they leave behind tiny spots of blood on the sheets, which can be a sign of their presence.

You may also notice rust-colored or brown spots on your bedding or walls, which are the excrement of bed bugs.

Musty Odor

Bed bugs also produce a sweet, musty odor that is often compared to the smell of raspberries or almonds. If you notice an unusual odor in your bedroom, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation.

This odor’s produced by the bugs’ pheromones and is more noticeable in severe infestations.

Bed Bugs Skin and Eggshells

Physical evidence of bed bugs can also be in the form of their shed skins or eggshells. As the bugs grow, they shed their skin, leaving behind a translucent shell-like casing. You can often find these in the crevices of your mattress, furniture, and walls.

You may also find tiny white eggs, which are approximately the size of a pinhead. These eggs are often found in clusters in the seams of your mattress or other furniture.

Seeing Bed Bugs

One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by actually seeing the bugs themselves. Although they are small, bed bugs can be seen with the naked eye.

They are reddish-brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body that is approximately the size of an apple seed. You may find them crawling on your bedding or mattress or hiding in the seams of your furniture or walls.

You must note that not all bed bug infestations are equal. Some infestations may be mild and easier to control. Others can be severe and require professional intervention.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. Early detection and prompt treatment are key. Hire these services to get rid of bed bugs and prevent future infestations in no time!

Dealing With Bed Bugs Infestation

Bed bugs are hard to spot, but identifying common symptoms and signs can help detect an infestation. Regular inspections and proactive measures can help prevent infestations from getting worse.

If you think you have a bed bugs infestation, contact a local exterminator for help.

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