Bed Bugs Be Gone! Warning Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic pests that survive by feeding on human blood. These nocturnal pests hide in mattresses and box springs, headboards, bed frames, curtain folds, behind pictures, under loose wallpapers, cracks, and other dark places during the day. Bed bugs are nasty and can infest the cleanest of homes. These sneaky pests are hard to spot and very difficult to eliminate.
Once these pesky little critters have made themselves comfortable, they spread throughout the home. As bed bug infestations become more common, homeowners should learn to identify their presence in the house. Here are some of the warning signs that indicate a bed bug infestation:
Itchy bites
A common sign of a bed bug infestation is noticing bites on the body parts that remain exposed while sleeping. Although bed bug bites are painless, they leave small, itchy, red bumps that appear as clusters or zig-zag lines. Waking up in the morning with itchiness and irritation that you didn’t have before going to sleep indicates the presence of bed bugs.
Dark spots or stains on bed sheets and mattress
Noticing blood stains or dark, rusty, brown spots on the bedsheet, mattress, clothing, carpet, furniture, or walls is another prominent sign of bed bug presence. Bed bugs leave fecal stains or urine streaks on the bedding. Sometimes, bloodstains result from someone inadvertently squashing a bed bug during sleep. Discovering small white spots in the furniture joints or mattress dimples is also a sign of an infestation.
Musty odor
Another symptom of a bed bug bite is experiencing a distinct, unexplained, and unpleasant scent in the home. Bed bugs release pheromones that cause the room to smell like a damp towel. The odor becomes stronger as the bed bug population increases and infestation becomes more severe. Call a professional for inspection if you notice a musty scent in any room.
Eggshells and skin casings
Besides blood spots and dark stains, other evidence that bed bugs leave of their presence is egg, eggshells, and skin casings. Bed bugs shed their skin and leave hollow exoskeletons five times during different development stages. Finding any of these is a tell-tale sign of a bed bug infestation.
Disturbed night sleep
Bed bugs remain active and feed at night, which could interrupt sleep. Experiencing disturbed sleep during the night or waking up multiple times is an early sign that bed bugs are present in a room.
Active bed bugs
A clear indicator of bed bug presence is noticing a bed bug itself. Once you spot them or any other sign, find their colony or home to confirm the infestation. Use a flashlight to inspect their usual hiding places. If you travel a lot or have a neighbor with a bed bug infestation, it is worth calling a professional for an inspection.
Hire a professional pest extermination service
Bed bug infestation is a severe issue and needs attention before things get out of hand. The key to preventing a severe infestation is to spot their presence early on and take adequate steps for safe eradication. Please call a bed bug exterminator immediately if you notice any of the above signs. A professional bed bug control service can identify and eliminate these pests quickly and efficiently.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
