5 Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

5 Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed Bugs are some of the most despised insects because they typically make their home in the most serene and unguarded part of the home: the bed. Not only that, they can also be found in couch cushions, curtains, and under wallpaper, and can even be found in public places like movie theater seats. It is best to catch the infestation in its early stages, but that is not always possible with these inventive insects. 

Most sources say that an obvious indicator of a bed bug infestation is the appearance of bites on a person, but that may not be the case. Many insects leave behind red, itchy bites, such as mosquitoes, spiders, and fleas. The specific nature of the bites differ, but the origins may not be obvious to the naked eye. There are other signs of a bed bug invasion, and they can be more helpful to the average homeowner 

Blood Stains on the Pillowcases or Sheets

If you wake up to dark red spots on your bedsheets, it is one clear way to tell when unwelcome bed bugs stayed the night. After feeding, bed bugs become so swollen that they leave behind rust-colored spots when squished. If the spots are not explained by small cuts on your body, then they are likely from bed bugs.

Bed Bug Husks

When a bed bug molts, their exoskeleton stays behind, giving a clue to their new home. During every step of their lifecycle, bed bugs molt as they grow into their new form. The exoskeleton, also known as a shell casing or husk, is then left behind. The more exoskeletons found, the more bed bugs are in the vicinity. 

Fecal Spots

Similar to the blood stains, fecal spots are a clear visible sign of bed bugs. These spots or stains are more of a black or dark brown color than the rust color of the blood, but both are signs of bed bugs. Bed bugs will leave a trail of fecal spots behind them, so the spots will be less random than the blood stains. They are typically around the same size as the blood stains, just in a trail pattern. 

Eggs

Since they are minuscule, bed bug eggs can be tricky to spot. But if you know to look for them, they are possible to locate and use as a starting point for the pest control technician. These eggs are small white rounds that change in transparency depending on the proximity to hatching, ranging from transparent to pearly white. The eggs are also in clusters, which can help with them being spotted since a group is easier to find than one tiny egg. 

Odors

Although the scents are stronger with a larger infestation, they can still aide in early detection. Bed bugs release an odor when they secrete pheromones as a signal to one another, or as an alarm when they are threatened. The most common smell surrounding a bed bug infestation is a musty odor as a result of the shed exoskeletons and pheromones. This scent is often compared to dirty laundry or shoes, and can have undertones of rust from the blood. Strangely, individual bed bugs can have a sweet smell that is comparable to berries. But the strong scent of an infestation is more easy to detect than the scent of one lonely bed bug.

Contact the Bed Bug Experts at Pointe Pest Control

Bed bug infestations should be handled professionally to ensure that the problem will be completely eliminated. Our bed bug experts at Pointe Pest Control are here to help. The technicians eradicate the bed bug problem through the use of a treatment they deem necessary. These include liquid treatments, heat treatments, and prevention plans if you would like to end the bed bug problem before it begins. Contact us online to set up your services today.

Citations

Bed bugs (n.d.). Pest World. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/bed-bugs/bed-bugs/ 

Dunkin, M.A. (2020). Bedbugs. Web M.D. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation 

How to find bed bugs (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs