Identifying a Bed Bug Infestation

We all know the old goodnight phrase Don't let the bed bugs bite, but do you know how to identify if that is indeed what is causing your rash, welts or itchiness? Itchy reaction bites may not be the best way to diagnose that there are bed bugs in your home since many people do not even react to the bites or the reaction could be caused by other factors such as a spider, a new detergent, or other common pests. So what are some indicators that you may have a bed bug infestation in your home? Look at these tips that will help you identify if you have a bed bug infestation.

• Did bed bugs have a chance to enter your home? Homes don't just get bed bugs. These critters have to be brought into your home. Have you traveled recently and stayed in a hotel or flown in an airplane? Bed bugs are notorious for living in mattresses or seat covers and can attach themselves for entrance into your home. Did you buy a piece of furniture at a yard sale or spend time over night at someone's house. All these are ways that bed bugs can hitch a ride into your home.

• Look for the molted skin of bed bugs in places like: mattress seams, behind headboards, in luggage, seat cushions, blankets and bedding, seams of walls near headboards.

• Look for fecal spots left by digesting bed bugs. Fecal spots are black in color (not red because the blood has already been digested) and are often seen in groups of 10 or more.

• Look for blood. Since bed bugs feast upon the host's blood you may find bloody or brown spots along the seams and edges of your mattress or bedding.

Bed bugs are not always easy to spot so consulting a professional pest control company will help you quickly identify the culprit and come up with a solution to your pesky problem.Pest End has two wonderful canines named Rascal and Harley who are trained bed bug detectors. Rascal & Harley have the ability to search apartment buildings, hotels, single family homes, office buildings, and just about any other area in a fraction of the time that it would take for a visual inspection performed by a pest control technician. They search for the scent of live bed bugs and viable eggs and are able to find as little as one of each. Check out our bed bug page to read more about Rascal and Harley, their training and their incredible skill.