Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation: How To Identify And Deal With It
Like any other bug infestation, bed bugs must be dealt with as soon as possible. They can breed and multiply within a short period, so the earlier you find these indicators of a bed bug infestation in your home, the more effective your remedies will be in eliminating them from your home.
It is always easier to take care of an infestation when it is still a minor inconvenience than to wait it out until it becomes widespread. Then you’ll have to deal with a lot of damage control and shell out a lot of money to take care of the issue.
If you don’t know where to start, this article will tell you where to start this search and how to deal with it effectively.
How To Identify Bed Bugs Infestation At Home
Know What They Look Like
It helps your cause if you already know what bed bugs look like, so if you notice any small oval and brown-coloured insects in your home, especially on your bed, carpets, and blankets and bedding, it is a sure sign that you have a bed bug infestation.
Look For The Physical Signs
Red spots and stains on your bed sheets, blankets, and bedspread are signs of bed bugs because they feed on your blood, and you might have crushed one or two when sitting or sleeping on your bed.
Bed Bug Bites
You probably have been bitten by a bed bug if you find unusual red spots and welts on your skin that are itchy and swollen like a mosquito bite. Unlike mosquito sites, these arks are itchy and don’t disappear in a few minutes.
Bed Bug Droppings
The excrement of bed bugs looks like small black spots, so if you find many of these in your bedding or carpet, you might want to start an investigation soon.
Skin Shedding
Like many other insects in the animal world, bed bugs shed their kin; if you find transparent scraps that look a lot like the bugs themselves, it is a sign that you are breeding bed bugs.
Eggs And Egg Shells
Bed bugs breed and leave their eggs on the bed or your carpet. If you find oval-shaped eggs near your bedding, sometimes as big as an apple seed, you probably have an active invasion of bed bugs.
Musty And Sweet Odour Near Your Bed
Bed bugs give off a musty type of smell which might not be as pungent but noticeable. If you notice any new smell from your bed or bedding, look for other signs of bed bug infestations.
How To Deal With A Bed Bug Infestation
Know Where To Look For Them
Unlike its name, bed bugs do not necessarily only breed on your bed. You might find them in many other places around your home, so if you suspect an infestation, start looking in areas like:
- The joints of your drawers
- In electrical appliances and outlets
- The seams between our sofas and cushions
- Under loose wallpaper
- Between the folds of curtains
- Your carpets
- Cracks in your bed frame
Wash Everything
From your curtains to your bedding, blankets, and other clothing, start washing them as thoroughly as possible. Throw them in the dryer and ensure you have a high setting to disinfect everything.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Turn on the vacuum cleaner and start vacuuming your bed, chairs, sofas and carpets to eliminate any signs of an infestation.
Use Insecticides
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are used to kill bed bugs, so get a hold of these substances from trusted sources and follow all safety precautions before you start eliminating the bed bugs from your home.
Use A Steamer
Heat is the best way to get rid of bed bugs. If you find any in your home, immediately start steaming your bedding, carpets, couches and any other place where you suspect bed bugs are hiding out.