Dealing with a bed bug infestation is a nightmare most homeowners hope never to encounter.
Unfortunately, bed bugs are incredibly difficult to treat and can only be prevented with a pest control maintenance plan.
While bed bugs tend to sneak into your house in ways you would never expect, it’s nearly impossible to ignore the signs of an infestation. From bites on your body to blood stains on your sheets, bed bugs make their presence known in big and annoying ways.
To learn more about bed bugs and to stop an infestation in its tracks, it’s important to know the signs of a bed bug presence.
What Causes Bed Bugs
Contrary to popular belief, having bed bugs is not a sign of a dirty home or poor personal hygiene.
Bed bugs most commonly enter homes by clinging to used furniture and other secondhand items. They can often be picked up while traveling if your hotel or Airbnb has a bed bug problem.
Therefore, it’s imperative to always inspect luggage and clothing when traveling or thrifting from somewhere that could have bed bugs. Unfortunately, the only way to truly stop bed bugs is through preventative pest control and knowing what places you are most vulnerable to catch bed bugs.
How to Look for Bed Bugs
Below are some helpful tips on how to look for bed bugs if you suspect an infestation in your home.
Learn How to Identify Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, typically the size of an apple seed. They are reddish brown in color, though immature bed bugs are more translucent and smaller than adults. Bed bugs are also wingless, meaning they cannot fly and instead crawl around on mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, and even clothing and other garments.
Look Where They Hide
Bed bugs typically hide in mattresses and box springs, as well as in the seams of chairs and couches, in the folds of curtains, and under loose wallpaper and wall hangings. In addition, they can even make their way into outlets and other areas of the home that are unprotected.
Because there are so many potential places for bed bugs to hide, it is important that you get rid of any unnecessary clutter and regularly tidy up around the house.
Learn the Signs
Knowing the signs of a bed bug infestation is imperative when it comes to preventing them or treating an existing problem. Whether or not you have reason to believe you may have bed bugs, it is a good idea to keep a clean home and thoroughly inspect any secondhand items before bringing them into your house, as well as any luggage after a trip.
6 Signs You Have Bed Bugs
1. Blood Stains on the Mattress
Reddish blood stains on your mattress or sheets are a big indicator that you may have a bed bug infestation, as this could be from bed bugs getting crushed by the weight of you or your pets sitting on the bed. These blood stains may also appear on your couch or armchairs, so keep an eye out for any spots that fit this description.
2. Bed Bug Bites
If you notice bug bites on your body, it could be a sign that you have bed bugs. Bed bug bites are small, swollen red spots that often appear in a zigzag pattern on the skin and typically cause itching.
3. Bed Bug Eggs
Bed bug eggs are small, pearly-white, or translucent eggs that resemble a small grain of rice. Though they may be difficult to spot at first, they are visible to the naked eye and should be dealt with immediately upon discovery.
4. Live Bugs
Spotting live bed bugs is an indisputable sign that you have a bed bug infestation in your home. If you see any live bed bugs, even just one, promptly contact a pest control expert to evaluate and treat the problem.
5. Musty Odors
If you’re dealing with a larger bed bug infestation, you may notice a musty or sweet odor. This odor will often become stronger the larger the infestation is, so be sure to check for any signs of bed bugs if you or your loved ones notice any unusual smells in your home.
6. Bed Bug Excrement
Bed bug excrement is also a strong indicator that there are bed bugs in your home. This excrement can easily be seen on the surface of mattresses or other pieces of furniture and typically looks like tiny black spots.
While many DIY methods may be tempting, it’s best to call a professional. Be sure to reach out to your local exterminator for bed bug treatment in New Jersey to get rid of bugs fast and prevent them from spreading to other parts of your home.
FAQs
Can you see bed bugs with your eyes?
While bed bugs are very small, they can be seen with the naked eye. Keep an eye out for small, reddish-brown bugs with flat, oval-shaped bodies.
What should you do if you slept in a bed with bed bugs?
If you discover that you unknowingly slept in a bed with bed bugs, inspect your body for any signs of bites. If you do discover bed bug bites, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a corticosteroid cream if you experience any itchiness. You should also wash any clothing that may have been exposed to bed bugs and contact a pest control expert promptly.
Will bed bugs survive the wash cycle?
Exposing bed bugs to high temperatures is the best way to kill them, so wash any bedding and clothing that have been exposed at a high temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, it is not always guaranteed that all bed bugs will be killed during a wash cycle, so seek the help of a pest control company to have your home properly treated.