4 Tell-Tale Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs–just the thought of these little bloodsuckers is enough to send a shiver up anyone’s spine! And unfortunately for many homeowners across the country, bed bugs can find their way into even the cleanest of houses. To make matters worse, many people don’t realize they have a bed bug infestation until the problem is advanced. One of the best ways to prevent bed bugs in your Western Massachusetts or Northern Connecticut home is to regularly check and inspect for signs of an infestation. But other than seeing an actual bed bug, what exactly are the signs of a bed bug infestation?
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
These signs can be easily overlooked, so be sure to check your bed and belongings carefully!
Fecal or Blood Stains
Bed bugs can leave tiny, reddish or dark brown fecal or blood stains on your mattress, sheets, pillows, or pajamas. In addition to bedding, these spots may be found on other furniture or even walls. If wiped with a wet rag, the fecal spots will smear.
Bites
Whenever they have access to a warm-blooded host, bed bugs can bite face, neck, arms, ankles, or other uncovered skin. These can often go unnoticed at the time of bite, as some people don’t develop symptoms until two to three days after the bite occurs. The most common skin reaction is typically a series of red, itchy splotches or welts.
Odor
Like other species of bugs, bed bugs release pheromones when disturbed. When an area is very heavily infested with bed bugs, the musty, sweet odor can become pungent.
Exoskeletons
Throughout their life cycle, bed bugs will molt, or shed their skin, approximately five times before reaching adulthood. These discarded shells look like clear, empty exoskeletons and may be found anywhere on or near the bed as well as inside books or electronics. Check out this descriptive picture of bed bug cast skins from the University of California UCR Today.
If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, contact us at Graduate Pest Solutions. We can help keep your home bed bug-free!
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