Signs of A Bed Bug Infestation
When these little pests strike, it is important to get rid of them quickly. In addition to being a very intrusive pest, bed bugs spread easily from one location to another as they make their way from host to host. Don't let them rob you of your sleep and your belongings. Identify bed bug infestation signs early and take action to get rid of bed bugs immediately.
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What Are Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects that are most active at night. They are often called hitchhikers because they travel by climbing on people's luggage, purses, and clothing.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like
Bed bugs usually only measure between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch long and are light brown in color (though bed bugs may appear to be a different color if they have recently fed).
Common Signs of A Bed Bug Infestation
There are a few signs to watch for that might indicate bed bug infestation:
Bed Bug Bites
"Don't let the bed bug bites" is not just a phrase your parents use to say before putting you to bed. Bed bugs do indeed bite. Itchy bed bug bites that resemble mosquito or flea bites on the skin are one of the most common bed bug infestation signs, especially on exposed areas such as hands, neck, shoulders, and arms.
Musty Odor
Bed bugs give off an odor that smells much like coriander. It can be difficult to detect but if bed bugs are present, you may notice a sweet and musty type of odor. If bed bugs have been present for a while, you might also smell a strong sour or age scent mixed with the sweet and musty one.
Red/Rusty Stains
These little creatures leave a red or rusty colored stain on bedding and bedsheets. They may also leave it on other fabrics like curtains, walls, floors, clothing, bedspreads, blankets, or carpets. You will find bed bug stains in the same regions bed bugs prefer to feed on during the night which is usually exposed skin areas close to blood flow.
DIY Treatments
Most homeowners try these DIY treatments when they find bed bugs in their home:
- Vacuum - A vacuum does a pretty good job in sucking bed bugs, bed bug eggs, bed bug poop, bed bug skins, and bed bug feces.
- Washing clothes and bedsheets - Washing all of your clothing and bed sheets is a quick and effective way of killing bed bugs.
- Cleaning bedding, wool rugs, upholstered furniture - Spraying bedding, wool rugs, or upholstered furniture with cold water will remove bed bug feces that contain the bed bug's DNA.
- Steam cleaning - For hard-to-reach places or items that cannot be cleaned, try using a steam cleaner.
Professional Bed Bug Removal
After DIY bed bug treatments fail, it may be time to resort to bed bug elimination by a professional bed bug exterminator. Wedocreepy.com offers bed bug treatments that include traditional residual application, heat treatment, or fumigation. Check out our bed bug service page and contact one of our professionals today!