Bed bugs are miniature insects that are well-known to most homeowners. Detecting an infestation at an early stage will help you avoid many sleepless nights and lots of repair work. For anyone who has ever wondered if they have bed bugs at home, this guide is going to assist you in identifying the signs and when to get an exterminator.
How to Identify the Presence of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects, of an oval shape, which feed on human blood. They are nocturnal pests and usually rest in small crevices during the day. Although, we would advise you to search for “bed bug Inspections near me,” here are some telltale signs that you might have bed bugs:
1. Bite Marks on Your Skin
The first indicator of infestation is waking up with reddish, swollen itchy skin marks that are a result of bed bug bites. Symptoms of bed bug infestation are usually small red raised itchy spots that may appear in clusters or lines on the skin and are located in areas of the skin that was exposed during sleep. Unlike the bites of mosquitoes, there is no single central raised area that is evident in the case of bed bug bites and they are usually more spread out.
2. Blood Spots on Sheets and Pillow Cases
After a feed, bed bugs become engorge and you might find red stains on the bedding area where they feed. These stains are generally small red or rust-coloured spots and are very suggestive of infestation by bed bugs.
3. Little Black Spots on Mattress, Furniture or Fabric
Bed bugs release digested blood through their feces which are in the form of dark, rusty streaks on the mattresses, frames, walls and any other adjoining furniture. These spots are normally observed near the seams of mattresses, in the crevices of furniture, and along baseboards.
4. Shed Skins and Eggshells
Another sign that makes bed bug identification easy is the shed skin that bed bugs leave behind as they grow out of it. These shed skins are mostly found around their hiding places. Also, bed bugs give birth to small white eggs that are often hard to notice, but they are usually laid in groups.
5. Musty Odor
A heavy infestation of bed bugs gives off a smell that is described as musty and sweet. This smell has a chemical nature and originates from the pheromones bed bugs emit and can be very pungent if an infestation is large.
Conducting a Bed Bug Inspection
An examination of the possibility of the presence of bed bugs is important and needs to be done thoroughly. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Check Your Bed Cover and Mattress
To check for bed bugs look at the seams of your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress. One should focus on the stitches, labels, and the borders of the mattress. shine a torch at night to look for dark small spots and shed skins.
2. Examine Furniture and the Space Around
Bed bugs are small insects that can easily hide in the cracks and gaps of furniture, in spaces behind picture frames, in electrical outlets and any other cavity and crack. Pay a lot of attention to the details, as you move and handle items, and as you turn them over to check for pests.
3. Bed Bug Detection Tools Should Be Used
Some of the tools that can be used to identify bed bugs are bed bug traps and interception devices that are placed under the bed legs to arrest the bed bugs as they crawl.
When to Call a Bed Bug Specialist
If one discovers the existence of the bed bugs, it is advisable to take some action as soon as possible. DIY methods can be very unproductive and often result in the spread of the infestation. Here’s when to seek professional help:
1. Persistent Infestation
If you have attempted various home remedies and are still experiencing an infestation, it is time to look for a “bed bug specialist near me.” Most pest control companies offer stronger sprays and are in a better position to search for the insects and get rid of them.
2. Large Infestation
In cases of serious invasions, one requires the services of a professional exterminator. Bed bug control in Brisbane professionals can apply methods that will help to treat the current problem and avoid the same in the future.
Conclusion
When your property is specifically bed bugs, quick and efficient action has to be taken. Realizing that there are signs of bed bugs, how to inspect your home properly and when to seek help you can safeguard your home and your health. Remember that prevention is always better than cure and this is why you need to ensure that you have detected the early signs and sought treatment. If you are in any way unsure or uncertain about the effectiveness of the steps you are taking, consult a bed bug professional in your area.