Did you know that bed bugs are back with a vengeance after being dormant for about four decades? These pesky little creatures are most known for being resident in beds, but they can thrive in any furniture and even carpet in the right conditions.
Have you ever worried about a bed bug infestation in your home? Here are some of the signs that you have bed bugs and how to deal with these household pests.
1. Blood on Your Sheets
If you spot blood on your sheets, then you should definitely check for bed bugs. When bed bugs feed, they draw blood and become engorged, similar to fleas and ticks.
When you roll around in bed at night, you may end up squishing a bed bug and causing it to expel the blood. To get rid of blood stains, apply hydrogen peroxide onto the stains and wash them in cold water.
2. Itchy Bites
Although you can get bug bites from many different creatures, such as spiders, mosquitoes, and fleas, bug bites are unique. Bug bites are smaller, itchy red lumps that appear on your body in clusters.
However, bug bites are not always a reliable way to diagnose bed bugs. If you have these with other signs of bugs, then you should definitely call a pest control company. Be on the lookout for other types of bugs as well.
3. A Bad Odor
If you notice a new odor that has no apparent cause, then you may have bed bugs. The bugs emit a strong odor that tends to be unpleasant.
One unique feature of bed bugs is that they produce pheromones in the early stages of an infestation. You may catch a faint odor of almonds or raspberries that is also musty.
However, the odor can get much worse once the bed bug infestation becomes apparent. Once it mixes with the scent of dead bugs, you may start to notice it even more. Keep an eye out for strong smells that you may not recognize around your furniture.
4. Bug Eggs
Bed bugs lay many eggs every day, meaning that a few stray bugs can turn into an infestation that gets out of hand very quickly. If you see some bed bug eggs, it may be a sign that the problem is much worse than you think.
The eggs are very small and white. They may be hard to spot if you do not know what to look for. In addition, the eggs have a sticky substance that will help them to latch on to carpets and other materials.
5. Bug Shells and Casings
Similar to other bugs, bed bugs tend to molt a few times during their life cycle. When they become mature adults, they will usually molt around five times before they die. This will leave behind a crunchy exoskeleton known as a shell.
This is another sign that you should look for along with other symptoms that you may have a bed bug infestation. The shells are yellowish-brown in color and you may not know what they are unless you know what to look for.
Usually, these shells are present at the places where bed bugs lay eggs and breed. Look in seams of mattresses and crevices where bed bugs may feel safe to lay their eggs.
6. Bed Bug Feces
Another way that bed bugs can damage your bedding and furniture is by leaving droppings all over the place. Unlike the color of blood, which is a shade of rust, the bed bug feces are actually brown in color.
In addition, bed bug droppings do not come out of bedding easily. When you try to rub them out, they often smear and look like marker stains on the cloth.
7. Suspicious Secondhand Furniture
Although secondhand furniture can seem like a great deal, you should always be wary of people not being honest about why they want to get rid of it. One of the most common ways that people dispose of bed bug-infested furniture is by putting it out for free so they do not have to worry about dumping it properly.
If you notice that something is free and you want to add it to your collection, do a thorough check to see if it has any signs of bed bugs. When in doubt, it is better to leave it alone and search for a deal elsewhere.
8. Actual Bed Bugs
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you have a bed bug infestation is that you see actual, physical bed bugs in your furniture. Bed bugs are small but have a wider abdomen than a lot of other pests. They are usually a shade of brown but young bed bugs tend to be paler.
They also have small wings but do not fly. Remember, if it does fly, then it is not a bed bug. If you still are not sure, it may be a good idea to bring in your local extermination company for bed bug treatment or other household pests.
Bring in the Experts
If you cannot get rid of bed bugs on your own, then it may be time to hire a pest control company for bed bug treatment. This is a great way to ensure that they will not return and you can go back to living a peaceful life without the critters.
You need to make sure that the company you hire is qualified for the job in your area. For instance, view this company to take a look at services offered by a typical pest control business.
Look Out for These Signs You Have Bed Bugs
If you think that you may have pests in your bed or furniture, you may want to check for bed bugs. With these signs you have bedbugs, you can take action and call a pest control company immediately.
Want to learn more about how you can keep your home free of all types of rodents and critters? Check out our site for answers to all of your questions related to pest control and extermination.
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