What Are The Early Signs of Bed Bugs?
Do You Have Bed Bugs?
No one wants to even consider that they are being bitten and drained of blood on a nightly basis. It is enough to give even the strongest of us the creeps! Unfortunately, the statistics show that one in five Americans has dealt with bed bugs in their home at some point in their lives. The problem only seems to get worse as places other than single-family homes and hotels are reporting incidences annually. Nursing homes, mass transit, dorms, and even hospitals are reporting outbreaks of bed bugs. Our blog today is dedicated to helping our readers spot the signs that they, too, may have a bed bug problem.
Traveling And Bed Bugs
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 overnight at someone's house. All these are ways that bed bugs can hitch a ride into your home.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
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 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.
- Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, long and brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body (if not fed recently).
- Young nymphs 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.
Early Signs of Bed Bugs In Massachusetts And New Hampshire
Bed Bug Bites: Spots or Itchy Blotches
One of the first and most obvious signs of a bed bug issue is the very itchy marks on your skin. These spots are small, red, usually occur in groups and can be inflamed. Often these bites occur in a line.
Bed Bug Bloodstains
Many homeowners report that they began realizing that there was a bed bug problem when they saw bloodstains on their sheets. Others noticed stains on their box spring or mattress when changing the sheets, especially in the corners and crevices. These stains resemble small rust spots.
Bed Bug Remains
Other homeowners notice dead bugs at different stages of development on their mattresses, walls, or furnishings. This may be a true sign that you have a bed bug problem.
Musty Odors
Bed bugs carry a scent that is quite strong. Your nose may key you off to a problem as bed bugs tend to have a musty odor similar to that of a wet towel that has been left around for too long.
Repeated Restless Nights
If you have begun to notice that you are tossing and turning throughout the night for no reason, you may have been bitten and not even realize it.
Pest-End's Bed Bug Detection Canines
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.
Contact Professional Bed Bug Exterminators
Do you have any of these signs that your home or business has bed bugs? Call Pest-End Exterminators now at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321. Our team can create a treatment plan and even use our canine detection program to root out the locations of your infestation.
