You might think bed bugs only live in dirty motels and hostels, but you would be wrong. One in five people in the US has had issues with bed bugs in their homes.
Bed bug infestations are notorious for being hard to get rid of without professional help. So, it is vital that you know the signs of bed bugs so you can spot them before a bed bug infestation gets out of hand.
This list has all the early signs of bed bugs so you can be alert and figure out what you are dealing with.
1. Itchy Red Bites
If you are waking up with small, itchy, raised red bites on your ankles, feet, wrists, and neck, then you might have bed bugs in the home.
They target areas of the skin that are visible while you are sleeping.
Of course, some signs of bed bugs are similar to other pests like fleas and mites. But bed bug bites are often in groups or a line on these body parts.
If you are at all unsure, call your local pest control services. It is better to be safe than sorry.
2. Black or Brown Spots
One of the most common signs of bed bugs is finding tiny, dark spots on bed sheets, mattresses, curtains, and any other type of fabric.
These dark spots are a bed bug’s fecal matter.
It’s a myth that bed bugs only live in beds; they hide anywhere where they can be close to people. That is one reason why it is so hard to get rid of bed bugs!
3. Eggs and Shells
Bed bugs shed their skins often, so you may find traces of small, crusty white shells on your bedsheets. Eggs are also small, white, and appear in clusters, so you may find traces of those, too. However, the eggs are often harder to spot.
Bed bugs procreate at alarming rates, which is why finding eggs is not a great sign and another reason why you need to terminate bed bugs ASAP.
4. Bloodstains
Bed bugs live near or in beds because they are nocturnal and feed on human blood while they are asleep.
So, if you crush a bed bug by accident, you might find a small patch of blood on your sheets. Of course, there are many other reasons why you might find blood in your bed. But if it happens more than once, these bloodstains might be signs of bed bugs.
5. Live Bed Bugs
And if you actually find real, live bed bugs in your house, then that is a surefire way to know you have them!
They are very small, brown/black creatures with hard shells. You can try and kill them if you see them but know there are almost always other bed bugs lurking in the shadows.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Bed Bugs
No one wants to discover that they have pests in the home, but it is important you know and don’t ignore the signs of bed bugs. Play it safe, call an exterminator, and get back to living in a pest-free home.
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