Bed bugs are some of the most misunderstood and misidentified pests out there. While these parasites are less dangerous than some of the other blood-feeding pests, bed bugs are nearly impossible to prevent and even tougher to get rid of. Learning how to spot the signs and properly identify an infestation will help you address it the right way.
How To Identify Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, almost microscopic insects. The seed of an apple is bigger than the largest bed bug, and these pests specifically feed at night when we’re asleep. For all these reasons, people often mistake bed bug bites for other kinds of bites, or they think that bed bugs are ticks or fleas. While none of these pests are good news for your home, here’s how you can identify bed bugs:
- Size: Bed bugs are not as small as some people assume and can grow up to about a quarter of an inch long.
- Shape: Not only are bed bugs about the size of an apple seed they are also a similar shape.
- Color: Bed bugs are reddish-brown, much easier to spot on light-colored fabrics or furniture.
- Habitat: Their name makes people think that bed bugs only infest mattresses, but they can be found all over a home. Any upholstery or fabrics can be a nesting ground for bed bugs.
Bites: The First Sign
As gross as it can be, bed bug bites are often the first and only sign homeowners get that they have an infestation on their hands. Because so many other pests bite, too, it’s important to turn to experts to truly identify the problem. Just like fleas, bed bugs will target people and pets, feeding on them by latching to the skin while their hosts are asleep and defenseless. Bed bug bites are usually found in clumps or lines on the skin, and they may be hidden within the folds of skin and hair. That’s why it’s important to check you and your loved ones thoroughly if you suspect a parasitic pest is around. While the itchy welts that result from feedings are bad enough, bed bug bites can also increase your risk of infection, as frequent scratching of the skin can open up new wounds that are exposed to bacteria. As bed bug populations grow, their feedings can result in anemia -- low blood cell count -- and even insomnia, or loss of sleep.
Other Signs Of Bed Bugs
Persistent bites are often the first sign and that should be enough for you to call professionals to take a look. However, there are some other factors to watch out for when it comes to bed bugs, so be on alert for these signs, too:
- Spots: Little dabs of blood will often dot your sheets or bedding following a bed bug feeding, so if you notice red spots you should act fast.
- Stains: Yellow stains are a result of bed bugs nesting activities, as eggs hatch into even hungrier nymphs.
- Eggs: Speaking of eggs, you should watch out for the yellow or cream-colored eggs of bed bugs, too. They are typically hidden in dark areas, like the undersides of infested items.
Only Experts Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be tracked into your home from all kinds of public spaces that are hotspots for bed bug activity and breeding -- places like hotels, hospitals, and bus stations. Once introduced to your home, it doesn’t take long for a bed bug population to grow in size and number, creating worse health risks for you and your loved ones. That’s why the safest approach to bed bug control is to call the professionals. At Havard Pest Control, we can schedule a thorough inspection of your property, catching the early signs of an infestation or warning signs that might attract pests to your home. We’ll then formulate a prevention or elimination plan based on your home, time, and budget.
Keep bed bugs out of your home with the proven service of Havard Pest Control.