Insects have been around for hundreds of millions of years. In fact, they make up more than 80% of the world’s animal population!
Don’t worry, though, most of them are harmless. That is, only a small percentage are considered to be pests. Some examples include mosquitos, cockroaches, fleas, and termites.
Bed bugs also fall into this category. While they don’t spread disease per se, they can be an annoyance.
Think you might have an infestation at home? Want to know what the signs are? Then make sure to read the rest of the post!
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, brownish insects that often live on furniture or bedding. The size of an apple seed (5-7mm), they feed on the blood of mammals, including humans.
After feeding, their bodies will swell and turn a reddish colour. What’s interesting, though, is that adult bed bugs can live more than a year without feeding!
4 Signs That You Have Bed Bugs In the House
Bed bugs can be hard to spot given their size. Here are a few signs that you have an infestation.
1. Molted Shells and Skins
Bed bugs moult several times as they grow. In other words, look out for empty shells and skins—they’ll usually be translucent in colour.
Depending on the size of the infestation, there may be hundreds if not thousands of moulted shells and skins left behind!
2. Musty Odor
Bed bugs release alarm pheromones from their scent glands, which have a musty, sweet smell. Some people also describe it as being like coriander. While it’s not exactly pleasant, it can help you identify these critters.
The more bed bugs there are, the stronger the odour.
3. Itchy Red Spots
Do you have small, itchy welts on your arms, face, legs, or back? If so, that might be a sign that you have bed bugs.
More often than not, they’ll occur in straight rows, clusters, or zig-zags. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone will have a physical reaction to bed bug bites.
4. Blood or Rust-colored Stains
Check to see if there are red spots on your clothes or bed. You might have accidentally squashed a bed bug while you’re sleeping.
Also, watch out for rust-coloured spots—those are their fecal matter. You might find them on your bedsheets, box springs, or mattress seams. In some cases, they might also be on your walls.
What to Do If You Have Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are notoriously hard to get rid of. Given that, it’s highly recommended that you contact a professional.
In the meantime, you can control the infestation by washing bed sheets, blankets, and clothes in hot water.
Throw away anything that can’t be washed, steam cleaned, or heated.
Dealing With Bed Bugs
And there you have it—four signs that you have bed bugs in the house. Seeing as how they can spread quickly, it’s important that you eliminate them as soon as possible!
Looking for a pest control company in the Texas area? We can help! Feel free to contact us for more information!