Spotting Bed Bugs Early - 5 Signs You Should Not Ignore

Are you wondering whether there are bed bugs in your home? Do they even make you stay up at night just by thinking about them? Nevertheless, finding bed bugs sooner is indeed preferable to finding them late. These clever, tough, and rapidly reproducing bugs shouldn't be underestimated. The ability to hide is one of their best skills. But don't worry. Just look for these five signs that show a bedbug issue.

1. You Wake up With Red and Itchy Skin

It kind of looks like a red, itchy bump that is usually in rows or groups. The bedbugs are capable of biting any part of the body which remains uncovered during sleep. They tend to bite the face, neck, arms, and hands. For example, say that you have mysterious bites. It could be a sign of bed bugs if there is no other cause, such as mosquito bites or allergies.

2. Stains

Bed bugs leave behind dark, brown-red stains. You find these on bedding, mattresses, or furniture. Bed bugs leave behind these stains as they digest blood. Often, spots are arranged in clusters or lines. They are on mattress seams, box springs, and baseboards. The faecal stains left by bed bugs can appear like small smears or ink marks. They show that an infestation is active. If you notice suspicious stains on bedding or furniture, inspect the area nearby. Take a look for any other signs of bed bug issues.

3. Live Bed Bugs or Shredded Skin

The presence of live bed bugs or their moulted skins is positive proof of a current infestation. Brown in colour, these insects are small and look like apple seeds. They normally hide between cracks and crevices during the day and feed when it is dark. Also, bed bugs shed their skin as they grow. In this way, they leave behind clear skins that reveal their presence. You should check common hiding spots. These include mattress seams, furniture joints, and electrical sockets. Look for live bugs or shed skins, especially at night when bed bugs are most active.

4. Musty Odour in Infested Areas

The smell of bed bugs infested areas is quite bad, and it is musty. Bed bugs use scents to communicate. Large infestations give off a sweet smell, similar to coriander. These areas usually have the highest level of odour, where they are most densely populated with insects, such as bedrooms, living rooms, upholstered furniture, etc. Musty or sweet smells in your house can mean that you have bed bugs. It is especially true if other signs of bed bugs accompany it. In that case, you must inspect thoroughly. You must confirm that an infestation is present.

5. Blood Stains on Sheets or Pillowcases

Bed bugs are active at night. They rely on blood for food. They often leave small blood stains on bedding or furniture. Bed bugs crushed during sleep can cause these stains to appear. Or from being full of blood and leaking fluids or from being crushed. Blood stains on sheets, pillowcases, or nearby furniture state a pest problem. They should prompt further investigation. If you notice unusual blood stains on bedding or furniture, examine the area. Check for other signs of bed bugs. These include faecal stains or live bugs.

Bed Bug Myths

We have clarified some bed bug myths. Let’s see which ones are true and which are false.

Myth #1. Bed bugs are active at night

That's true. In the dark, bed bugs usually crawl out from under your mattress and attack you while you are sleeping.

Myth #2. Bed bugs can survive about a year without food.

Mostly false. It is one of the most popular bed bug myths on the Internet. A bed bug can only survive that long if it is an adult and spends the whole year at a temperature of 10°C, which is impossible.

Myth #3. Is it a good idea to throw away an infested mattress

It is false. Mattresses cannot be treated with insecticides, so some would suggest throwing them away. That's not true. You can arrange a heat treatment service to eliminate the bed bugs.

Myth #4. Bed bugs can fly

That is absolutely not true. A lot of people still wonder whether bed bugs are able to fly. Neither can they fly nor jump.

Myth #5. These pests can live anywhere, not only on the mattress

There aren't many opinions about this, so it's pretty much true. Bed bugs can use any dark place that provides shelter to bed bugs as a home. A place like this would be inside cracks in walls or furniture, as well as inside your suitcase.

Myth #6. It's better to keep the luggage away

That's true. Even when staying at a hotel, keeping your bags away from the floor and bed is highly recommended.

Myth #7 Bed bug bite is not harmful

In general, this is true. A bite doesn't even require treatment, but if the rash is too painful, you can seek medical assistance.

Myth #8. Regular treatments are required

However, this is only true if you do a professional heat treatment from the beginning. One treatment might not be enough if pesticides are used. Many people make the mistake of cleaning treated surfaces. If you hire a professional pest control company, they will provide you with the proper post-treatment instructions.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of bed bugs on time is essential. It allows for prompt and effective elimination. Be vigilant and check for the top five signs of bed bugs in your home. The signs are unexplained bite marks, bed bug faecal stains, live bugs or shed skins, musty odours, and blood stains. By taking action early, you can prevent infestations from getting worse. If you suspect bed bugs, consult a licensed pest control technicianс. They can confirm the bugs and plan treatment. Act and watch carefully. Keep bed bugs away from your home. They are a nuisance and cause discomfort. Then, you can have a pest-free home.