What Are Some Signs You Have a Full-Blown Infestation?
Bedbugs are social creatures that reproduce quickly, so any sign of their presence may indicate an infestation. However, if you're finding discarded skin casings in several sizes, seeing multiple live insects or experiencing a strong smell that mimics the aroma of rust or moldy laundry, you likely have a full-blown infestation.
What Are the Next Steps You Should Take If You Find Signs of Bedbugs?
If you see signs of bedbugs, don't try to manage the problem on your own. Licensed pest control professionals have the tools needed to eradicate bedbugs. Just make sure to choose a company with experience in bedbug control. Depending on how severe the infestation is, insect eradication may involve two or more treatment visits, plus a follow-up to make sure the bugs are gone.
How to Check for Bed Bugs
Bedbugs often stay hidden during daytime hours. However, because they leave behind telltale signs of their presence, the simplest way to check for bedbugs is a visual examination of your mattress, bed frame, bedding and surrounding areas, preferably using a magnifying glass and a flashlight.
Here’s what you should be looking for:
- Fecal stains:Small brown or black spots that look like smeared ink could be bedbug feces. Droppings are often found behind headboards or in the creases of a mattress or box spring.
- Bloodstains:Bloodstains on your bedding and sleepwear may indicate bedbugs. These spots can result from bleeding bedbug bites or from bugs that were crushed after feeding.
- Skin casings:Bedbug nymphs molt five times before adulthood, leaving behind skins of various sizes. These casings look exactly like bedbugs, but are translucent.
- Eggs and eggshells:Bedbug eggs and eggshells are tiny but visible to the eye. They're white or opaque, and about 1 mm long.
- Live bedbugs:Even a single live bedbug may be an early sign of an infestation.
- Bedbug bites:Itchy, red bites on exposed areas of skin can be signs of bedbugs. They often occur during the night.
- Musty odors:Bedbugs give off a sweet, musty odor. An unusual smell with no obvious cause may be a sign of a bedbug problem.
