Are you among the
20% of Americans who’ve experienced a bed bug infestation? If not, you probably know someone who has.
These pests multiply quickly, which is why you need to get rid of them the moment you notice signs of bed bugs. And since bed bugs can feed on you for as long as 10 minutes at a time, they should be treated promptly.
Your home is susceptible to bed bugs if you recently purchased used furniture, traveled, or reside in a multi-unit building. This is why it’s important to take preventative measures against bed bugs when on vacation or when your child is returning from college.
Although you don’t have to worry about a bed bug transmitting disease, they’re extremely off-putting if you’re trying to sell your home. Even worse, they can lead to itchy bites that cause many sleepless nights.
Signs of Bed Bugs
If you suspect early signs of bed bugs, a professional pest removal service can confirm your suspicions. However, you can look for any of the following:
Unusual, musty odors - Bed bug bite(s)
- Blood on your sheets
- Bed bug fecal matter
- Bed bug shell casings
- Bed bug eggs
- Live bed bugs
Musty Odors
Have you recently noticed musty odors with no apparent cause? These unusual smells are bed bug pheromones. They may smell like coriander, raspberries, almonds, or cilantro.
If you have a severe bed bug infestation, you may smell wet towels, rust, or moldy laundry.
Bed Bug Bites
Signs of bed bug bites present as small, itchy, red bumps. You’ll commonly notice them on your legs, hands, and arms. These bites may appear as a cluster of bites, with 3 to 4 bites in a line.
Bloodstains on Sheets
Have you noticed rust or red-colored stains on your sheets with no apparent explanation? If so, you may have bed bugs biting you in your sleep.
These stains might look like small smears or splotches on your clothes, sheets, and pillows. Always check for probable causes before assuming you have bed bugs, but if you have any of the other signs listed in this guide,
contact a pest removal company.
Bed Bug Fecal Matter
Look for dark brown or black spots that are small and roughly the size of the tip of a pen. Commonly, these spots may appear as clusters near harborage areas.
However, you can find them on clothing and sheets. Check for any dark smears on fabric that look like magic marker after it’s gone through the washing machine.
Bed Bug Shell Casings
Bed bug shell casings are translucent and have a brownish-yellow coloring. These exoskeletons are what juvenile beg bugs shed throughout their various molting cycles. If you notice these bed bug shell casings, you may have a bed bug infestation.
Bed Bug Eggs
Look for oval-shaped, pearly white eggs that measure roughly 1 mm in length. Bed bug eggs are roughly the same size as a pinhead and stick loosely to different types of surfaces. You’ll commonly find bed bug eggs near harborage areas.
Live Bed Bugs
Live bed bugs are flat, small, and reddish-brown. These insects are roughly the same size as flaxseed and should not be confused with bat bugs (carried by bats), baby cockroaches, spider beetles, carpet beetles, and other tiny insects.
Live bed bugs are commonly found in tight crevices and cracks.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
One of the best ways to prevent bed bugs is by decluttering your home. This reduces the number of hiding places for bed bugs.
You should also
vacuum frequently. A good rule of thumb is to vacuum rugs and carpets a minimum of two times a week and to vacuum hard surfaces at least one time a week. Always vacuum under furniture and anything upholstered.
If you have shared laundry facilities, be mindful of your belongings. It’s advisable to use plastic bags when bringing items for laundering. Anyone with an active infestation should bring a separate bag to transport clothes home once they’ve been cleaned.
Wash your bed sheets regularly, using heat to dry them. Use dust-mite-proof pillow casings.
Keep Bed Bugs Out
If you notice signs of bed bugs or suspect an infestation, don’t delay treating the issue. You can take preventative measures to help keep bed bugs from infiltrating your home, but if you already have an issue with these pests, contact a professional before they continue to multiply.
Serene Property Services offers
bed bug control in Sparta, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for residential and commercial pest removal services.
