Like most common household pests, if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, there will be early indicators of a problem that can help you catch pest activity before you end up with a major bed bug infestation. With holiday travel just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to learn how to recognize the signs of bed bugs and prevent infestations!
Here are 5 bed bug warning signs to watch for.
Bed Bug Warning Sign #1: Musty Smell
If your mattress or bedding has any visible signs of bed bugs, you’ll likely notice an odor coming from the area. Their musty, sweet smell is sometimes described as berry-like. Keep in mind that a few bed bugs introduced into your home on luggage or clothing are unlikely to produce a noticeable scent; if you’re noticing this musty smell, you likely already have a larger bed bug infestation.
Bed Bug Warning Sign #2: Bites
Bed bugs are nocturnal and feed by biting people while they are sleeping. They will pierce the skin, then feed on their hosts’ blood for several minutes, often without the hosts even noticing. Even though bed bug bites are painless at first, they will leave behind red welts that become itchy. Usually bed bug bites are found on the areas of the skin that are conveniently exposed while sleeping.
Bed bug bites are often mistaken for flea bites, and vice versa, so keep in mind that flea bites tend to be on the lower body, whereas bed bug bites are more likely to be found throughout the body; also, flea bites will have a red dot in their centers, and bed bug bites will not.
Bed Bug Warning Sign #3: Droppings
Bed bug droppings are usually black or rusty-colored, because they are essentially left-behind, partially-digested blood from the pests’ feeding on their hosts. Bed bug droppings are about the size of an apple seed, and you’ll find them in clusters of tiny spots in and around the creases of your mattress, sheets, and around the edges of your bed. If you see bed bug droppings, it’s a clear sign that there’s an infestation in your home. Keep in mind that bed bug infestations don’t exclusively happen in the bedroom; they are hitchhiking pests who can be picked up and taken to multiple locations in your home, such as your living room, too, so be sure to check all potential areas thoroughly for droppings.
Bed Bug Sign #5: Shed Exoskeletons
As they grow, bed bugs shed their exoskeletons. Because of this, one common sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of shed exoskeletons. These discarded shells are often light brown in color and often found on sheets, pillows or mattresses if you have an infestation.
Knock Out Your Bed Bug Problem
All of these signs can be a sign of a bed bug infestation, so it’s important to be aware and get professional help from Knockout Pest Control if you suspect you have a problem. Early detection is key in minimizing the severity of your bed bug infestation.
For help knocking out bed bugs, call 1-800-244-PEST.
