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The discovery of bed bugs inside your home is any property owner’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, bed bug problems are on the rise and it’s important to learn the signs of bed bug infestations. In addition to being a nuisance to deal with, bed bugs spread quickly and are infamous for their bites. To avoid a full-blown infestation in your North Carolina home or business, it’s crucial to understand what causes bed bugs in the first place.
As soon as you notice any of the below signs of bed bugs in your property, it’s time to call the bed bug pest control experts at Bug Out.
What Are the Early Signs of Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are minuscule and can be difficult to spot for the untrained eye. There are several ways to determine whether you have a bed bug infestation or not.
Bite Marks on the Skin
One of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation is waking up with unexplained bite marks on your skin. These bites often appear in clusters or lines and can cause itching and discomfort. If you notice red, itchy welts on your body, it could be a sign that bed bugs are present.
Blood Stains on Bedding
Bed bugs feed on human blood, and after feeding, they may leave behind small blood stains on your sheets and pillowcases. These stains are often reddish-brown in color and can be an indication that bed bugs have been feeding on you while you sleep.
Fecal Spots
Another telltale sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of dark spots or smears on your bedding, mattress, or furniture. These spots are actually bed bug feces and may appear as small, black dots or streaks.Their excrement is only slightly bigger than the size of a period. Finding fecal spots is a clear indication that bed bugs are active in your home.
Egg Shells or Shed Skins
As bed bugs reproduce, they leave behind tiny white eggshells and molted skins. Although rarely seen, eggshells are a pale yellow color.These discarded shells and skins can often be found in the seams of your mattress, along the edges of your bed frame, or in cracks and crevices around your home. If you discover these remnants, it’s a sign that bed bugs are breeding nearby.
Live Bed Bugs
While bed bugs are excellent at hiding, you may occasionally spot live bugs crawling on your bedding, mattress, or upholstered furniture. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown in color and about the size of an apple seed, making them easily recognizable if you know what to look for.Active bugs are often found clustered together.
Unusual smells
In some cases, a musty or sweet odor may be present in rooms where bed bugs are active. This odor is often described as similar to the scent of overripe raspberries or coriander. If you notice an unusual smell in your home, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation.
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Where Do Bed Bugs Come From? What Causes Bed Bugs in the First Place?
If you have an infestation, you may be wondering what causes bed bugs in the first place. Unfortunately, anyone is susceptible to these pests. Bed bugs can enter your home through various means, including luggage, clothing, used furniture, and even through cracks and crevices in your walls. Infestations most often begin when people travel and unknowingly carry them home with them. Bed bugs are attracted to any area or room that provides them with access to a blood meal, which is why they’re so common in hotels and college dorm rooms. Once they infest a home, bed bugs can quickly and silently spread, hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, electrical outlets, and upholstered furniture.
Seek a Bed Bug Inspection From a Professional
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to seek help from our expert team of bed bug exterminators who specialize in bed bug elimination. Our pest control technicians have the expertise and equipment needed to thoroughly inspect your home, identify the extent of the infestation, and develop a customized bed bug treatment plan to eliminate the bed bugs for good.
Don’t let bed bugs take over your home. For more information on signs of bed bugs or to schedule an inspection, contact us today for a free quote!
FAQ’s
To check for bed bugs, start by examining your bedding, mattress seams, and upholstered furniture for signs of bed bug activity, such as bite marks, blood stains, fecal spots, egg shells, or live bugs. Use a flashlight to inspect cracks and crevices around your bed frame, electrical outlets, and baseboards where bed bugs may hide. If you suspect an infestation but are unsure, contact our expert team to book in for a professional bed bug inspection.
Yes, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, although they are small and often hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Adult bed bugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, with a reddish-brown coloration. However, bed bug nymphs (immature bed bugs) are smaller and may be more challenging to spot.
Several other pests and household items can be mistaken for bed bugs, leading to confusion and misidentification. Common culprits include carpet beetles, fleas, ticks, and various types of beetles. Additionally, small debris such as lint, crumbs, or dirt particles can sometimes be mistaken for bed bug fecal spots. If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with bed bugs or another pest, contact our expert team for an accurate identification and appropriate treatment plan.