Three Ways to Determine if You Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can cause very serious issues inside your home. They can cause itchy bites all over your body. And, the thought of having tiny blood-sucking bugs in your bed can be enough to send you over the edge. Before you do something drastic like burning your mattress, you should start by determining if you actually have bed bugs. Three ways to determine if you have bed bugs is to do a visual inspection, look for bites on you or your loved one, and get a professional inspection.

Do a visual inspection of your bed and furniture

The quickest way to determine if you have bed bugs is to actually see one of the little pests in or near your bed. Bed bugs are tiny and they can range from a light brown to a reddish color, depending on how long it has been since they last ate. These pests appear to be round or oval and often look flat. It can be difficult to see bed bugs but it is not impossible. They often hang out in the crevices, edges, and corners of your bed. Pull back the sheet and look around the edges for signs of movement. Bed bugs can also infest furniture and areas other than the bed. Your bedside table, headboard, and recliner are all fair game for bed bugs. If you find one bed bug there are definitely more present.

Look for evidence of bites on you and your loved ones

Bed bugs often leave red and sometimes itchy bites. If you or your loved one awakens in the morning and notice bites it could be an indication of this pest. Bed bugs typically leave bites close together and often in a line. A single bite or bites that are spread out may be from a different type of pest. Bites are a potential warning sign of bed bugs but they are not as definitive as actually seeing one of these pests during your visual inspection.

Get a professional inspection

The most effective way to determine if you have bed bugs is to get a professional inspection. A bed bug professional will know where to look for these pests and know signs of their presence. It can be difficult to discover a bed bug infestation on your own but a trained professional will be able to quickly and effectively assess your situation.

Once you determine that you have bed bugs the next step is to get them out of your home. They are notoriously difficult to eradicate which means you will need professional help. A pest control professional can help you eliminate bed bugs from your home so you and your family can sleep soundly once again.