No one wants to find out they have bed bugs, but to stop an infestation of epic proportions, you have to check your home routinely. When you experience bites, those bites may resemble the bite marks of other common insects, which is why a bed bug infestation often gets misinterpreted. By watching for these signs that bed bugs are nesting in your home, you can easily identify the problem sooner and eliminate the pests early on.
The Bites
Bed bugs often bite in clusters, so look for groupings of red, swollen welts on the skin. Similarly, the bites may form a zigzagged pattern. When these bites do manifest, resist the urge to scratch, because this can further irritate the skin and may lead to infections.
Trouble Sleeping
If you have difficulty getting to sleep and you awaken with those bite patterns, this is a strong indication of bed bug activity. The insects will be more active at night when they can attack you in the dark.
The Location of the Bites
Additionally, the part of your body affected may indicate which insects are present in your sleeping area. Chiggers and fleas tend to limit their bites to the ankles, while bed bugs typically attack the arms and shoulders.
Check the Bedding
Bed bugs aren’t the cleanest of insects. They’re messy eaters and will often leave small droplets of blood near the corners of the bed. These stains will look similar to rust in color. Additionally, these insects do molt, or shed their skin. A telltale sign that you have bed bugs will be finding oval-shaped brown exoskeletons in your bedding.
Bed Bugs Leave a Scent
These insects, like many animals, give off a pheromone, which is especially strong. When they gather in large numbers, the odor will become very noticeable, making the area smell like a wet towel or a sweaty locker room.
Don’t Confine Searches to the Bed
While bed bugs may be attracted to the bed at night, they are very mobile and may gather behind dressers, near windows, and underneath the bed. When searching for those rust-colored stains, start with the bed, but expand your search outward to check every corner of the room.
Check Clothing Regularly
Bed bugs also have the nasty habit of clinging to clothes, and they may hide in your wardrobe. Check closets and dresser drawers routinely as well. This is also a good idea when staying in unfamiliar accommodations, such as hotels or a guest house.
These are the most common ways to identify a bed bug problem. If you aren’t checking regularly, you may allow time for bed bugs to breed and become a more significant problem. Always be aware of the characteristics of a bed bug infestation so you can keep your sleeping area free of these pests. If things get out of hand or you’d like to take preventive action, don’t delay inquiring about the exceptional services of my Private Exterminator Inc. Contact our team of qualified pest control professionals today.
