Bed bugs infestation is one of the biggest problems faced by homeowners. The little insects reproduce quickly, making it very hard to get them out of the home. Detection is the first step, in getting rid of bed bugs in the home. Below are three signs that you have bed bugs in your home, learn more here.
- Weird Bite Patterns: If you notice strange bite patterns on your skin, there is a high chance that you have bed bugs in your home. Unlike other insects like mosquitoes and fleas, bed bugs bite in a unique pattern. Bed bugs usually bite in a characteristic linear pattern. Another thing to look out for, are itchy red spots. Bed bug bites are typically itchy, leading to red spots when you itch and scratch. Therefore, look out for red spots that appear in a cluster or straight line on your skin. Examine your neck, arms and shoulders, for red spots as bed bugs commonly feed on uncovered skin.
- Blood Stained Sheets: If you notice blood stains on your sheets on multiple occasions, you are most likely dealing with a bed bug infestation. The blood stains could be from squashing a bed bug in your sleep. Most times, after feeding on your blood, the bed bugs stay long enough for you to unconsciously crush them to death. This will leave blood stains on your sheets. In the same vein, some blood could spill from your skin to the sheets, while the bug feeds. Another thing to look out for on your bedding, are rust-colored spots. When bed bugs move in large numbers, they usually leave feces behind on your furniture. This brown fecal material then leave rust-colored spots on your sheets, when smeared.
- Bug Shells: As they grow older, bed bugs shed their shells growing new ones. These shells resemble mottled brown casings and can be easily spotted, in an infested home. As bed bugs live more comfortably within fabric and wood materials, you are likely to find these shells in your mattress. Check the seams and corners of your mattress for bug shells. Other areas to inspect include headboard of your bedding, cushions, pillows, bedside tables, baseboard as well as beneath your furniture. You should also look out for white spots on your mattress and furniture. Bed bug eggs are tiny, and are laid in clusters in the dips on mattresses. They could also be in the joints of your couch.
Another telling sign of bed bugs infestation in the home, is musty odor. The pheromones that bed bugs release to send signals to their colony. This will leave the affected area of your home with a damp smell.
Final Words
Bed bug infestation can lead to irritation and infection. It will also leave you in constant discomfort, with your home having an unpleasant odor. This is why it is important to look out for the signs of bed bug infestation discussed above. Once you detect an infestation, you can contact a pest control service to get rid of them.