How Do I Know I Have Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are considered public health pests. While they aren’t known to spread disease or carry bacteria, their itchy bites can cause itching and secondary skin infections.
The first indication of a problem is usually itchy bites that appear after you wake up. Bites can be painless at first but later turn into itchy welts that don’t go away.
If you notice miniature blood stains on your bedding, this is a clear sign of an infestation. Bed bugs leave these stains when they die or shed their skins.
Continue reading if you want to know whether there is a bed bug infestation in your home.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that are reddish-brown. They are about one-quarter inch long before they feed, i.e. about the size of a tiny apple seed.
These pests hide during the day on beds, mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and in cracks and crevices in walls, floors and furniture.
They come out at night and feed on blood. Their bites cause itching, stinging, skin rashes, and psychological and allergic symptoms for some people.
What Are the Signs of Bed Bugs Infestation?
Bed bugs are a pest that can be hard to spot, especially since they typically hide during the day. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for. Here are some common signs of bed bug infestation.
Bites On Your Body
Often the first sign of bed bugs is red itchy welts or bumps on your body. These bites can appear anywhere on your skin that you expose while you sleep. During feeding, bed bugs inject their saliva with an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. The resulting bites can be small, red or circular. Some people may not react at all, while others may develop itching, hives or blisters. Some bites may even become infected if the itching is severe or you scratch the area.
Specks of Blood On Bedding
Specks of blood on bedding, including blankets, sheets, and mattress pads, are the most common sign of a bed bug infestation. They are especially noticeable near the seams and corners of mattresses, as well as on upholstered furniture like couches and headboards. You may also notice a rusty or tarry stain on the sheets or a nearby wall or upholstery.
Musty Odor
Another sign of bed bug infestation is a musty smell that appears throughout the house. The odour may appear from dead bugs and bed bugs’ skin casings. The odour is similar to mould laundry or shoes. It doesn’t take a large colony of bed bugs to produce a musty odour.
Eggs
The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is the discovery of eggs. These eggs are tiny – the size of a pinhead – and pearl white. Once bed bugs have laid their eggs, they hide in crevices and nooks and crannies all over your home. They can be found in the seams of your mattress, around the baseboards and in cracks in your box spring, headboard, or bed frame.
Exoskeletons
Another common sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of exoskeletons around your bedding or mattress. Bed bugs shed their skin and their exoskeletons several times during their life cycle.
Conclusion
Infestations of bed bugs have been common throughout the world for thousands of years and are now regaining popularity due to global travel and less potent insecticides. Infestations can be found in all types of dwellings, including private homes, hotels, dormitories, school buildings, shelters, hospitals, nursing homes and public transportation. So, make sure you inspect your property regularly and contact a bed bugs control company if you notice any signs of these insects.