Bed Bug Symptoms: What Should You Look For?

No one wants to share their bed with tiny bugs that bite during the night. Unfortunately, the occurrence of bed bug infestations seems to be increasing. This is partially because they are so small and often travel home with people undetected. They can climb into your luggage and follow you home from vacation. Bed bugs can also travel on clothes, purses, and other types of furniture. There are some precautions you can take to prevent them from coming into your home such as washing and drying your clothing after a vacation on the hottest temperature possible. This simple step can kill off any bed bugs that followed you home on your clothing. If you are worried that you already have bed bugs in your house then there are a couple symptoms you can look for in order to confirm your suspicions.

• Bites

At first glance, the marks left from bed bugs are similar to those created by other insects such as mosquitos and fleas. It can be difficult to tell them apart especially if you have never learned about the differences. The biggest difference to note is that bed bug bites often occur in a line. Other insects tend to be a little more random in their bite pattern. Bed bugs also typically go for areas on the upper body that are exposed and easier to reach. In contrast, pests like fleas tend to concentrate their bites around the ankles and lower extremities. Waking up in the morning with a number of new bites is another indication that you have bed bugs. Take a little time to check yourself for new spots first thing in the morning so you know for sure the bites happened during the night.

If there is one good thing that can be said about bed bugs it is that they have not been found to spread disease. Their bites may be bothersome but you do not have to be concerned about getting sick from them. Try and let that thought comfort you if you suspect the bites on your body came from bed bugs.

• Finding bed bugs

One sure sign that you have bed bugs is actually finding them in your home. However, this task is easier said than done. Bed bugs are tiny pests that do a great job of hiding in and around your bed. Their bodies are flat which allows them to fit into some very narrow spaces. In addition, they can hide on more surfaces than just your bed. Your headboard, box spring, night stand, and other furniture are all possible locations for bed bugs. The best place to start your search is with your mattress because it is the most likely spot. Check for bed bugs along the edges and seams of your mattress. If you find one it is highly likely that there are more around that you do not see.  

Bed bugs may not be a health risk to you and your family but they are a nuisance that has to be dealt with. If you have found bed bugs in your home or noticed other signs of their presence you need to call in professional help. These pests will not go away on their own so you need an experienced pest control company that can deal with them quickly and effectively.