If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your home, it’s time to take action. These tiny insects, which are sometimes difficult to spot, can wreak havoc on your health and finances if they go untreated for long periods. Here are three signs of bed bugs that you shouldn’t ignore so you can stop them before they cause any more trouble:
Look for Physical Evidence
Bed bugs are notorious for leaving bite marks on their victims, but if you’re not sure that your bites are caused by bed bugs, there are other signs to look for. Bed bug feces is one sign of infestation—in addition to specks of blood on sheets and mattresses. In addition to looking for bed bug fecal matter, watch out for clusters of the dead bugs themselves as this is a clear indication of an infestation. Doublecheck online to make sure the bug carcasses you’re looking at are indeed bed bugs.
Pay Attention to Bug Bites
Bed bug bites aren’t always easy to recognize, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore taking action if you think you have them. Being able to identify a bed bug bite will help stop an infestation before it goes too far. Bed bugs leave little, raised bumps on the skin, and are particularly itchy. Note that these circular bites are often thought to be mosquitoes or bites from other creatures.
Not sure if your bites are from bed bugs? If you notice that your bites appear in clusters, you’re likely dealing with these pesky creatures.
Smell Your Bedding
While bed bugs aren’t always easy to see, you may be able to pick up their scent. Pest control experts point out that bed bugs have a sweet, musty smell, especially if you’re dealing with an infestation. While the smell isn’t the first sign of a bed bug problem, it is certainly a signal that shouldn’t be ignored. Pay attention to any lingering smells in your room after you clean up, wash dirty clothes, and sanitize your sheets. If the smell is still there, it’s time to get professional help.
While bed bugs aren’t the biggest threat to your health, they can cause significant psychological distress, in addition to major disruptions in your life as you try to eliminate them from your home. Use this guide to help you identify bed bugs in your home.