No matter where you are, it is more important than ever to be on the alert for bedbugs. Once a dying problem, bedbugs have made an astonishing comeback across all 50 states in recent years.
This is partly due to evolution, as some bedbug species have become resistant to pesticides and other common prevention methods.
If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, you must act quickly before it grows out of control. With that in mind, here are the most common early signs of bed bugs to be on the lookout for.
1. Bites On Your Body
Bed bugs are a particularly annoying pest infestation because they love nothing more than to feast on people. They feed off of mammal blood, and a sleeping human is the perfect main course.
If you have started to notice red, itchy welts on your body when you wake up, it is possible that these are bite marks left over from hungry bed bugs.
If you have noticed multiple bites, you should immediately call in a professional, as it means that the problem is growing fast. Make sure to use a trustworthy pest control service such as whyubugginpest.com, which has 26 years of experience in eradicating bed bug infestations.
2. Bloody Sheets
Another sign that bed bug treatment is in order is blood on your bedsheets. These might be tiny specks of blood or larger pools of blood.
This blood might come from a bed bug that you have crushed in the night, probably by rolling over on top of it.
Alternatively, the blood could come from a bite on your body that did not heal or clot quickly enough.
3. Musty Odors On Our Mattress
Perhaps you have started to notice an unpleasant, musty odor coming from your bed. If you cannot pinpoint a reason as to why this is happening, it might be time to call in bed bug control.
Bed bugs emit pheromones that often have a distinctly musty, almost mildewy smell (although some people report a sweet aroma). In addition, the feces from bed bugs will build over time, contributing to an unpleasant odor.
4. Bed Bug Debris
Wherever bed bugs go, they tend to leave plenty of evidence behind. A bed bug might shed its skin and leave a shell casing behind, which is often not that difficult to see with the naked eye.
They will also leave behind their eggs and eggshells, as well as their dropping.
Make sure you know what you are looking for and conduct a thorough scan of your bed to see if you can spot bed bug debris.
5. Changing Pet Behavior
Bed bugs usually prefer human blood, but your pets are not safe either. If you have noticed some sudden and unexplained changes in your pet’s behavior, bed bugs could be the cause.
If your pet is scratching a lot more or appears much more irritated and restless than usual, you should immediately examine them for bed bugs. If your pet does have bed bugs, chances are that you do too.
Now That You Know the Early Signs of Bed Bugs…
Knowing the early signs of bed bugs will help you stamp out the problem and enjoy stress-free, easier home living.
If you have any reason to suspect bed bugs, these are the five signs that will confirm the problem.
For more tips on how to live easier and better in your home, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our dedicated Lifestyle guides for more simple, trustworthy hacks and tips.
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.