Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown brownish parasites that feed exclusively on blood. The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) prefers to feed on human blood and bites other warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. They require a blood meal before they can reproduce; therefore, they can only live with a host.
Bedbugs do not typically transmit disease, though some people have allergic reactions or get secondary infections from scratching bites. Because so many people have been exposed to bedbugs without getting sick, diagnosing a bite as one from a bedbug is difficult. Some other insect bites look similar, so you may not be able to tell what bit you unless you find signs of infestation. If you notice bedbugs, it’s important to call a pest control service at once.
Early warning signs of bedbug infestations
Live bedbugs
You can catch a bed bug infestation in its early stages and save yourself the trouble of a full-blown invasion. The first sign of bed bugs is usually seeing them at night when they come out to feed. Bed bugs are nocturnal, so it isn’t easy to find them during the day. They hide easily in any crevice or crack, so even if you don’t see them, you might notice bloodstains on your sheets or pillowcases or tiny molted skin casings. Find out their hiding places and determine whether you have a problem.
A musty smell from their scent glands
Bedbugs can emit a musty odor from their scent glands, indicating that they may be nearby. This smell is similar to wet, moldy clothing or stale sweat. This smell is usually stronger at night when the bugs are active and feeding.
Dark spots from their droppings
Look for small dark spots on your bedding. These are tiny spots of dried feces. If the infestation is heavy, you might also find streaks of dried blood from crushed bedbugs or tiny eggs and eggshells from baby bedbugs.
Small white eggs in a cluster on fabric or furniture
One of the first indications that a bed bug infestation is present in a home is the presence of eggs. A female bedbug can lay up to 500 eggs over her lifetime, laid in clusters. The eggs are small and white. They may be found on fabric or furniture and inside cracks or crevices.
Egg cases shed skins or live bugs in mattress seams and behind headboards
Adult bedbugs shed their skins about five times before reaching maturity. They’ll leave these skins behind as they grow larger. The skins will be brown and papery.
Tips to prevent bed bug infestations
- Reduce Clutter – Bedbugs like to hide in clutter. Get rid of excess clutter around your home. If you have a lot of stuff because you’re a collector or packrat, store these items in airtight plastic bins away from your bedroom.
- Check secondhand items – You may bring home bedbugs if you purchase used items or pick up furniture or clothing from the side of the road. It’s hard to tell if an item has bed bugs in it when you look at it in a store or yard sale. Inspect all secondhand items before bringing them into your home – especially mattresses, box springs, and couches.
- Vacuum regularly and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after each use -Vacuum cleaners are great tools for removing bed bugs and eggs from carpets, cushions, floors, upholstered furniture, and mattresses. It is important to immediately remove and seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag before disposing it in an outdoor trash can to prevent the bugs from escaping into your home again.
The bottom line
Bed bugs only come out at night to feed and hide during the day. They can be found in seams of mattresses, grooves, and any cracks or joints, box springs, bed frames, and baseboards. Do not let them take over! Call Goodwin Environmental for a FREE inspection today.
