Bed bugs are the bane of many people’s existence. These tiny pests can ruin your life, and they seem to be everywhere these days. You can pick them up in hotels, your friends’ homes, and even in school.
In this post, A1 Bed Bug Exterminator San Antonio | Bed Bug Exterminator shares eight signs that bed bugs may be in your home or facility.
Sign 1: Bites on Your Body
Perhaps the most obvious sign of bed bugs is the presence of bites on your body. Their saliva contains a small amount of anesthetic, allowing them to feed on you without waking you up.
And humans are not their only target. Bed bugs can also feed on anything that has blood, including your pets. So, be sure to check your furry friends for bites if you suspect these pests are present in your home or workplace.
Sign 2: Red or Brown Stains on Sheets and Mattresses
Did you know that bed bugs’ droppings are actually red? That’s because they feed mostly on blood and their digestive system is not very strong. However, you may also notice black or brown droppings if you have not eaten a meal recently.
These stains are usually seen on your mattress, as these pests like to cozy up to when waiting for you to come home.
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Sign 3: Skins and Egg Casings
Bed bugs go through five molts when developing from egg to adult. Each time they molt, new skin is revealed, and you can find the sheddings near their hiding spot.
Egg casings are also present at every stage of these pests’ lives, so be on the lookout for these casings as well. Look for this evidence in furniture joints, and anywhere you have an appliance that stays warm most of the time.
Sign 4: An Unpleasant Musty Smell
Bed bugs have a distinct musty odor that can alert you to their presence. Some people say they smell like a mixture of stale sweat and pheromones. This smell is hard to describe, but it’s not like the normal stuff we encounter, like smelly garbage or pets. So be on the lookout for this unusual stink.
Sign 5: Blood Stains on Your Bedding
If you wake up with bloodstained sheets, bed bugs might be feeding on your blood while you sleep. These tiny bloodstains occur when the needle-like mouthparts of bed bugs puncture your skin and leave small wounds.
If this happens, wash all bedding immediately with hot water to prevent the pests from infesting your bedding again.
Sign 6: Anemia and Allergic Reactions To Bites
If these pests feed on your blood frequently, you may end up suffering from anemia. Other times, you might show allergic reactions to the bites, resulting in discolored or swollen skin.
These symptoms are a clear sign that you have bed bugs in your home, and you need to address the situation before things get out of hand.
Sign 7: Nymphs in Your Home
If you see nymphs, it means that a bed bug infestation is headed your way. However, these insects are yet to eat a blood meal, and they are translucent or straw-colored. They also have small red spots on their bodies that might be visible internal organs.
If you find these larvae in your home, there is a good chance that you’ll also see droppings and a couple of bed bug casings too.
Sign 8: Bed Bugs in Your Bed Frame, Headboard, And Other Furniture
Do you have a huge headboard? If so, you should check it for signs of infestation. Bed bugs hide in secluded areas during the day and venture out at night to feed on your blood while you sleep.
They can also hide in furniture joints, inside appliances, and other warm areas of your house. This means bed bugs could be hiding in or around your home without you even realizing it.
You Have Discovered Bed Bugs in Your Home. Now What?
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your living quarters, you should call a pest control professional as soon as possible. If you try to DIY a solution, your home can become infested again.
Now that you know the most common bed bug symptoms pay attention to see if you notice any of these signs in your home. If none of them appear, you should watch out for bites and possible allergic reactions. Then get the right help before things spiral out of control.
