How Do I Determine If I Have Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a growing problem in households across the world. Not only do they cause uncomfortable and irritating bites, but they also have been known to spread disease. If you suspect your home has been infested with bed bugs, it is essential to determine quickly whether or not this is the case. Knowing how to identify bed bug infestations can help determine if further action needs to be taken.

What Are Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and about the size of an apple seed. They are challenging to see, as they are skilled at hiding in small cracks and crevices and are primarily active at night. If you suspect that you have bed bugs, it is important to confirm the presence of these pests and take steps to eliminate them. Here are some ways to determine if you have bed bugs:

Signs of Bed Bugs:

There are several signs that you may have bed bugs in your home. These include:

• Bloodstains on sheets or other bedding. One of the most obvious signs of bed bug activity is bloodstains on sheets or other bedding. Bed bugs tend to feed on human blood during the night and will leave behind small spots or smears when they finish their meal. 
  

• Dark or rusty-colored spots on bedding, furniture, or walls (these may be bed bug excrement). In addition to bloodstains, you may also find spots on your mattress or box springs where the bed bugs have been nesting. If you notice any type of staining in your bedroom, it's important to take action as soon as possible since this could indicate a larger infestation.

• Small, white eggs or eggshells in the seams of your mattress or on other surfaces. These are caused by female bed bugs who lay 1-5 eggs daily. Bed bug eggs are tiny and hard to spot, measuring between 1mm and 1.5mm long. They can be found stuck to rough surfaces like mattresses, mattress tags and headboards, furniture, and carpets near the bed. If you suspect an infestation of bed bugs, these little white eggs should give you cause for concern - it’s a good indication that there’s an infestation nearby!

• A sweet, musty odor (this may be a sign of a large infestation). Bed bugs typically hide in areas where they won't be disturbed, such as mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture crevices. They emit an unpleasant smell as they feed on human blood; however, this can often go unnoticed as the scent may not be strong enough to detect without close inspection. In larger infestations, however, the sweet yet musty odor can become more pungent and noticeable throughout the home.

What To Do If You See These Signs

• Inspect your bed:

  Bed bugs are often found in beds, as they are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide produced by sleeping humans. To inspect your bed for bed bugs, start by removing all of the bedding and looking for the signs listed above. Pay particular attention to the seams of the mattress, as this is where bed bugs often hide.

• Check All Areas of Your Home:

Bed bugs can also be found in other areas of your home, such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. To check for bed bugs in these areas, look for the signs listed above and pay attention to any areas that may be warm and dark, as these are places where bed bugs like to hide.

• Consider Hiring a Professional:

If you are still unsure whether you have bed bugs or if you want to confirm the presence of bed bugs, consider hiring a professional pest control company. A professional will have the knowledge and experience to accurately identify bed bugs and recommend a treatment plan to eliminate them.

In conclusion, there are several ways to determine if you have bed bugs in your home. These include looking for signs of bed bugs, inspecting your bed, checking other areas of your home, and considering hiring a professional. By taking these steps, you can confirm the presence of bed bugs and take steps to eliminate them. San Joaquin Pest Control is ready to help you determine if you have a bed bug problem and help you be on your way to living a bug-free life!