While bed bugs are relatively slow to reproduce, the earlier you catch the problem, the better. These pests can leave behind itchy bites that can become infected if they are scratched. To help prevent sleepless nights and prevent the infestation from spreading early detection is key. Here are some of the early signs of bed bugs.
Signs of Bed Bugs on the Mattress
Bed bugs need a human or animal host to feed off of, which is why they are typically found in and around beds. They come out at night to feast and then return to their hiding spots. This makes them hard to detect, but they do leave behind evidence if you know where to look.
Start by inspecting your sheets and pillowcases. Bed bugs will leave behind small fecal stains that look like a dot of ink. This a sign of excrement that has been left behind after they have bitten you and digested your blood.
From there, you will want to remove all your bedding and look along the seams of your mattress. Use a flashlight to get a closer look at hard-to-see areas. You may notice adult bed bugs crawling around, but you are more likely to find white eggs or the translucent skin of the exoskeleton that is left behind as they mature and molt.
Bed Bug Bites
Another sign that you have a bed bug problem is the appearance of red welts on your skin. Keep in mind that two people who share a bed might not both experience bites. In addition, it can be difficult to accurately conclude that a bite came from a bed bug. That is why it is important to do a visual inspection and look for physical signs of bed bugs around your bed.
If you have noticed some of the early signs of bed bugs, it is time to call in the experts. While there are steps you can take on your own to eliminate bed bugs, it is difficult to remove all the eggs and prevent a second infestation. To get rid of the problem once and for all, call PMi Pest Management.
