Signs of Bed Bugs

Now that the summer travel season is here, millions of Americans will take to the roads to seek out vacation destinations. As we mentioned in our last blog, nothing can ruin a vacation like an infestation of bed bugs or worse yet bed bugs hitching a ride back to your home! Having a little information about how to identify these pests can mean the difference between a relaxing vacation or a stress filled one!Appearance - Knowing what to look for is the first step in identifying and controlling these pests. There are many bugs that look like bed bugs so an accurate identification is a critical first step. You may actually spot these pests in and around beds by using a flashlight at night, since they tend to be night feeders.

• The adultare about the size of an apple seed, long and brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body (if not fed recently).
• Youngnymphs are smaller, translucent or whitish-yellow in color; and if not recently fed, can be nearly invisible to the naked eye.
• Bed bug eggs are tiny, the size of a pinhead and pearl-white in color.

Signs there may be bed bugs include:

• Red Itchy Bites - The appearance of flat, red welts in zigzag lines or small clusters is a key sign of bed bugs on humans. Bed bugs can also leave their bites in straight rows and, while they don't spread diseases to humans, their bites are quite irritating and scratching them can lead to bleeding and infection.
• An Odor - Bed bugs have a scent that can be quite strong. Many people describe it as musty.
• Blood Stains - Other than the obvious sighting of bed bugs along the edges of mattresses, chairs, upholstery and other furnishings, the best way to spot an infestation is the appearance of blood stains. These stains resemble small rust spots.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation call Pest-End Exterminators for a complete solution!