Bed bugs are a nuisance, and even if your home is clean, it may become infested with these pests. Catching an infestation early on is the best way to get rid of bed bugs and mitigate the damage they cause to your lifestyle. Keep an eye out for the following telltale signs that you have bed bugs.
Waking Up to Bite Marks
Like mosquitoes, bed bugs feed on blood, including blood from humans. They often wait until we are asleep to feed on us as this is safer for them. When a bed bug bites someone, it often results in a mark and skin irritation. If you're waking up to bite marks, it could be a sign that bed bugs are biting you. Bed bug bites will often occur in clusters, whereas mosquito bites are typically singular. Furthermore, a lack of bite marks doesn't mean that you don't have a bed bug infestation. Some people won't react to the bites.
Blood Spots on the Bed or Sheets
If a bed bug has bitten you, you may bleed a little bit. This could result in small blood spots on your bedding. Additionally, it's possible to crush a bed bug by rolling over, which can also leave a blood mark. Of course, if you find a crushed bed bug body, you have all the proof you need that you're dealing with a potential infestation. If you find yourself in this situation, it's time to contact a pest control company.
Small White or Black Spots
Bed bugs will defecate anywhere, so you will often find their droppings if you're dealing with an infestation. Lift up your mattress to see if you can find any small spots. You may also find eggs. Forbes reports that a female bed bug lays between 200 to 250 eggs during its lifespan (which lasts from three to four months). Bed bug eggs are usually pearl white, making them hard to spot, but with a keen eye, you may be able to find them.
If you believe that you may be experiencing a bed bug infestation, contact Essential Pest Control right away. Bed bugs can spread, and as they do, treatment may become more difficult. Quick, prompt treatment can protect your health and make it easier to get rid of bed bugs once and for all.