Did you know that about 97% of pest control services treat bed bugs every year? You think to yourself that these tiny pests are out-of-the-ordinary. After all, whenever you hear about bed bugs, the first thing you think about is grungy hotels that end up on the news.
However, you may have bed bugs and not even realize it. Does that thought make your skin crawl?
Then, it might be time for you to pinpoint common signs that bed bugs are crawling around in your bed. If you want to know, keep reading our informative article below to know when to call pest control.
Table of Contents
Strange Odor
The first thing to look out for when it comes to bed bugs is odor. It may seem strange, but these pests emit pheromones from their bodies that create a unique smell.
Many people with bed bugs report a scent that is akin to raspberries. So, pay attention to whether your bed sheets smell both musty and like a sweet fruit. The only issue with this bed bug sign is that the smell is only present if there is a bed bug infestation.
That is because a single bed bug emitting these scents and pheromones is difficult to detect. You would have to have thousands of bugs in your bed and home to generate enough scent for you to pinpoint. By then, you probably already know that you have a bed bugs problem.
Strange Stains
The next sign to look out for is strange stains left on your sheets, mattress, clothes, or comforter. Bed bugs feast on blood. That blood can be either human or an animal; it does not matter to the insects.
Much like mosquitoes, bed bugs store that blood away in their bodies. So, when you squash one, the blood will spatter everywhere.
That could happen when you intentionally crush a bug or if you roll over on one while you sleep. Pay attention to whether there are bloody or rust-colored stains dappling your bedding because that could be the blood and insect guts mingling together. Once you notice this sign, it is time to call a local pest control company to come out and handle the issue.
Strange Bites
Perhaps one of the most pertinent tell-tale signs of bed bugs is the bites. As previously mentioned, bed bugs bite humans while they sit or lay in bed.
Research shows that the bites pose no real health risk to human beings, but they are still unpleasant. Unlike mosquitoes, bed bug bites do not itch. They actually ay not show up as anything other than small, red dots.
Bites typically shows around the:
- Head
- Face
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Shoulder-blades
- Hands
- Chest
- Arms
- Legs
You may wake up and notice your body covered in red circular dots. You might also not notice at all.
That is because the number of bites depends on how many bed bugs you have in your home. It is also because bed bugs do not inject poison into the skin, causing it to itch like other parasitic insects.
So, you will not feel the bite as it happens, and it will not itch or hurt later on. However, there are cases where people bitten by bed bugs develop more severe reactions. These are not usually life-threatening.
But these people can develop a skin rash or other symptoms like:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Itchiness
- Blisters
- Hives
- Bumps in a line
- Bumps in a zig-zag pattern
Keep in mind that while most bed bug bites develop immediately, the signs can take a few days to show. So, continuously check your body for bumps if you suspect a bed bug infestation.
Fecal Matter
Rusty stains aren’t the only thing bed bugs leave behind. They can also scatter fecal matter across your bedding. However, this could be even more difficult to pick out than the bloodstains.
Bed bug feces are smaller than the period at the end of a sentence. That said, if there are enough bed bugs, you might notice a cluttering of black or brown dust on your bed or clothes.
If you find that, do not let it go. Be sure to investigate other bed bug signs to ensure that what you see isn’t fecal matter.
Bed Bug Eggs
Bed bugs lay eggs like any other creature on this planet. That said, a female carrying eggs will lay about one to eight per day. If you have an infestation, you will likely notice bed bugs, eggs, or larvae in your bed.
Females will lay their eggs in the bed. However, they also like to stick them to pieces of wood. So, be on the lookout for small, white ovals that look like rice.
If the ovals have a dark spot on them, that is an eye. That means that the egg is turning into a baby bed bug.
Shell Casings
As bed bugs mature, they cycle through five stages of life. Each stage brings them closer to adulthood.
That means that they shed their previous shell casing to fit a bigger one. Those casings, or husks, tend to be left behind in your bed. Again, bed bugs are tiny, but you will likely see these casings sitting in your bed.
Bed Bugs
The last sign to watch for is the bed bugs themselves. If you have an infestation in your home, you will likely see these creatures walking around on your bed or your person.
While it is rare to see live bed bugs, it still happens. No matter what, if you find a bug and don’t know what it is, you should call Custom Bed Bug pest control.
For More Pest Control and Cleaning Tips
As you can tell, there are seven signs that bed bugs call your bed their home. Remember to look out for strange odors, bloodstains, and shell casings left around your sheets.
If you spot any of these signs or see bed bugs, it is time to call a pest control company. These professionals have years of experience with pest infestation. That means they will come into your home and solve your bed bug problem in no time.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we invite you to continue reading our blog for more cleaning tips and tricks!