What most people don’t know is that bedbugs are slowly on the rise. High hygiene standards got rid of this menace after the Second World War and people were relieved for decades. However, now it’s time to be vigilant again. The fact that bedbugs are very hardy does not pose a very good future for the citizens of America. In the last decade the pest control operators have got reports of multiple infestations.
Now that bed bugs are on the rise again, there is a need for extra vigilance. If you feel that you may have bed bugs, immediately check for them. Since they haven’t been around for a long time, there is a need to learn the behavior of keeping a look out for these insects. Don’t worry. It is possible to avert an infestation. You just need to know how to look for them. A little awareness can save you the trouble of dealing with a full blown infestation.
Bed bugs are hard to detect but not impossible. Here are a few tips with which you can detect bed bugs at home
- Itchy bites
Unless you spot a bedbug, you won’t know if you have them. The only way you’ll know that you have bed bugs is when they bite. But how do you know if it’s a bedbug bite or other insects? Bedbugs have very typical patterns of biting. Look out for clusters of bites. Bed Bugs mostly have multiple bites. If you see bites in clusters, zigzag lines or even a straight line, you have bed bugs. Other insects don’t bite in clusters or patterns.
While bed bugs don’t spread diseases and infection, they are carriers of pathogens. Though these pathogens are dormant in the bedbugs, there is a slight chance that you may get infected. Their bites are extremely uncomfortable and itchy too. Excessive scratching can lead to bleeding through which you may get infections.
- Uncomfortable nights
These insects can be anywhere, but they are mostly in your bed. You spend around 6-8 hours in bed which is ideal for these bugs to feed. They also like warmer areas and your body heat is like a magnet for them, though they will not stay on your body for too long since they don’t like direct heat.
If you find yourself constantly tossing and turning then waking up with red angry bite marks, you definitely have bed bugs.
- Bites on arms and legs
Bedbugs bite on the skin that is exposed during sleep. And they bite on the warmer areas like your back, arms, legs, neck and inside the folds of skin. If you find clusters of bites on these areas then you have bed bugs. Other insects like fleas bite on the ankles and feet. Remember that no insect bites in clusters.
- Inspect your room
If you find blood or small brown stains on your bed sheets, they are from bed bugs. Bed Bugs leave fecal matter in small brown spots. When bedbugs mature they shed their skins. During your search, you may find tiny exoskeletons. Bedbugs not only find their way to your bed but they could be anywhere else too. You need to inspect each piece of furniture, especially upholstered furniture. Probe through every crack and crevice. Find out how to check for bed bugs here
Looking for these bedbugs is not only tiring but also difficult. They are extremely elusive to the untrained eye. If you have a recurring problem, you may have bed bugs. Employ trained professionals like Seattle bed bug services who not only inspect your home properly, but also exterminate them. You’ll not have to deal with these insects yourself.
- Trust your nose
There is another way to detect bed bugs. Smell! These insects give off a musty smell that is really foul. If you come into your room and there are no wet towels around, the smell could be from bed bugs. If you find your room smelling, then get a professional pest exterminating service immediately, especially if you already are suspicious.
Bed Bugs are small and only give off the smell when they are in large numbers. If you can smell them, it means that the problem is beyond your control as an individual.
- Inspect your clothes
A great hiding spot for these insects is your closet. Bedbugs on clothes mean bedbugs on you. This is how they spread too. Air your cupboard and if you want to get rid of them, take out all your clothes and wash them in boiling water. Inspect your now empty cupboard for these insects.
Bedbugs are a growing menace, and it’s important to nip the problem in the bud. Let your local pest exterminator handle the job for you if you think you can’t handle it.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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