Bed bugs are tiny, and they are able to hide very well wherever they are. In the home, they will often set up in bedroom clutter, baseboards, carpets, furniture, bedding, bed frames and mattresses. Luckily, you don’t need to actually find the bed bugs in order to tell if you have an infestation – they will leave other signs. In this article, we’re going to cover these signs and help you tell if you have a bed bug infestation.
How fast do bed bugs spread?
It only takes the presence of a fertile female bed bug in an environment for an infestation to start. After feeding, the female will be able to lay up to five eggs a day and 500 eggs over its lifetime, so a very small number of bed bugs can quickly get out of hand.
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are light to dark brown in coloration, and they have flat, oval-shaped bodies. When it comes to size, they are very small, reaching lengths of 5 mm. This means that adults are very easy to see, but their eggs or bed bugs that are in the nymph stage are smaller than the head of a pin. However, it is unlikely that you will actually see a bed bug out in the open when you have an infestation.
The signs of a bed bug infestation
One of the most obvious signs that you have a bed bug infestation is the presence of bed bug bites on your body. These bites are small and usually grouped up, and sometimes they may form straight lines or zigzag patterns. The bites are itchy and they may develop into blisters. Another sign is the presence of bed bug droppings, which appear as small brown stains on the bedding or furniture. There may also be the presence of blood spots on the bedding, if you accidentally crush a bed bug in your sleep.
How are bed bug infestations controlled?
Bed bug infestations can be quite difficult to control, and DIY methods usually fall flat, whether we’re talking about insecticides, traps or pest control devices. This is why it’s best to work with a pro, who will use products and tools that are not commercially available, and who will be able to ensure that the entire bed bug infestation in the home is destroyed. For more information on bed bug infestations, or for bed bug control services, contact us today.
