Bed bugs. Just the thought of one is enough to send a shiver down your spine…and even worse than the thought of one is the reality of an infestation. Bed bugs can invade your home and multiply at a rapid pace, leading to detrimental physical and psychological effects. If you’re unsure of whether you have a problem in your home, here are some ways to identify a bed bug infestation:
- Dark or rusty spots on pillowcases, sheets, mattresses, or walls.
Bed bugs can leave trails of fecal matter in various locations. It’s important to know what to look for and continue investigating if you see any dark or rusty streaks or spots on your bed linens or walls.
- Bloodstains on your bed linens.
Bed bugs feed on blood, usually biting people at night to feed and then crawling away to their hiding spots. However, if you roll over or move in your sleep and accidentally crush one of those little guys as he’s scurrying away, it will leave a bloodstain on your sheet or pillowcase. Furthermore, bed bug bites can sometimes bleed, which leads to additional bloodstains found on your sheets.
- Exoskeletons laying around.
Bed bugs shed their skin multiple times during their life cycle. These discarded shells are clear and look like empty exoskeletons, often found in or near their hiding places.
- A distinct musty odor.
Bed bugs emit a distinct musty odor from their scent glands – if you notice an unfamiliar or odd smell in or near your bed, around crevices near your bed, or in other areas of the home, you should immediately begin a search for other signs of a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs can invade even the cleanest of homes – since they feed on blood, they don’t usually discriminate based on other cleanliness factors. Used furniture, clothing, or accessories are perfect examples of how they can hitch a ride right into your life. It’s important to not only check used items that you may purchase but that you also take great care when your clothing or accessories come into contact with other people’s items (think in terms of leaving your jackets in a pile on a guest room bed at a holiday party…). Awareness about how bed bugs travel combined with knowing the telltale signs to look for can help you stop the problem as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
There are plenty of ways you can attempt to avoid bed bugs, but sometimes even those who are the most careful may be faced with an infestation. It’s best to call a professional immediately if you see these signs in your bed or home, as they have the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to eradicate the problem quickly and efficiently. If you suspect you have a bed bug problem and live in the Leander, TX area, give DM Pest Control a call today for a quote and a professional evaluation of your unique situation and needs.