Bed bugs are small reddish-brown insects which feed on the blood of people and other warm-blooded animals. They are usually found in crevices of beds, mattresses, and furniture. Bed bugs can be challenging to eliminate once they have infested a home or living space. Though they are not known to spread disease, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. To prevent an infestation, it is essential to know how to identify bed bugs and take preventive measures.
9 Early Signs of an Infestation:
#9 Odour
Odour is an important sign of bed bugs. Bed bugs release a pungent musty odour when disturbed, similar to the smell of coriander. This odour is caused by the secretion of pheromones and other chemicals that the bed bugs use to communicate with each other. The odour can also be used to help identify infestations.
#8 Shed Skins
Bed bug shed skins are the exoskeletons that bed bugs shed as they grow. Shed skins are one of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation. As bed bugs feed and grow, they moult, or shed their exoskeleton. Shed skins are small, white to tan in color, and appear to be a flattened version of the bed bug. They are usually found in clusters and can be identified by their distinctive shape. It is important to note that shed skins do not move or bite and are not a sign of a live infestation. However, they are a good sign that bed bugs are present and can help you determine the extent of the infestation.
#7 Bites
Bed bug bites often appear in clusters or lines of red, itchy bumps on the skin. Often, these are found on places on the body exposed while sleeping, such as on the face, neck, arms, and hands. Bed bug bites can also occur on other parts of the body. The bites are usually painless at first but can become itchy and irritated. Scratching the bites can lead to infection. In some cases, bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction, leading to more severe symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling.
If you suspect a bed bug has bitten you, it is important to inspect your home for signs of an infestation. Bed bugs are most commonly found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. If you find evidence of bed bugs, contact a licensed pest control professional to help eliminate them.
#6 Burrows in Furniture
Bed bugs burrow into the seams and crevices of furniture such as mattresses and box springs. Bed bugs burrow into the bedding by using their sharp mouthparts to penetrate the fabric. Once they have burrowed into the bedding, they will feed on the blood of their host. Bed bugs can remain in their burrows for several months and emerge to feed on their host in the night.
Bed bug burrows are usually found around the edges of the mattress or box spring. They can also be found in the creases and folds of the bedding. The burrows are usually small and can be difficult to spot.
To remove bed bugs and their burrows, it is important to vacuum the area thoroughly and kill the bugs and their eggs using a steam cleaner. It is also important to use a pesticide treatment to kill any remaining bed bugs. It may be necessary to get rid of the mattress and box spring and buy new ones if the infestation is severe.
#5 Bloodstains
Bed bug bloodstains are dark red or brown spots that are left behind from bed bug feeding. They are usually found on mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and furniture. Bed bug bloodstains are found in clusters and can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.
In order to identify bed bug bloodstains, it is important to inspect the entire area for signs of bed bugs. Bed bug bloodstains are typically found in the same areas that bed bugs are found, such as in the seams of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. Bed bug bloodstains can also be found on furniture, walls, and other surfaces.
Bed bug bloodstains can be challenging to remove. Vacuuming and steam cleaning are the most effective methods for removing bed bug bloodstains. However, it is vital to remember that these methods may not completely remove all of the bloodstains. When the infestation is serious, it may be necessary to use a chemical treatment to completely remove the bloodstains.
Bed bug bloodstains are a sure sign of an infestation and should be taken seriously. If you find bed bug bloodstains in your home, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for assistance. Eminent Pest Control is a leading pest control specialist in Singapore that offers effective and enduring bed bug management solutions.
#4 Fecal Marks
Bed bug fecal marks are the dark spots that are left behind after bed bugs feed. These marks are usually found on bedding, mattresses, box springs, and furniture. They are made up of digested blood, which is excreted as a dark, tarry substance. Bed bug fecal marks are one of the first signs of an infestation and can be used to help identify where bed bugs are hiding. Besides being unsightly, these marks can also be a source of allergens, as they contain proteins from the blood they have consumed. To prevent further infestations, it is important to clean and disinfect any areas where fecal marks are present.
#3 Eggs
Bed bug eggs are not visible to the naked eye, so it is important to inspect any areas where bed bugs may be present. Bed bug eggs are often found in cracks and crevices, as well as in furniture, baseboards, and other areas. If you find bed bug eggs, it is important to take immediate action to prevent them from hatching and spreading.
The best way to get rid of bed bug eggs is to vacuum them up and dispose of them in a sealed bag. You should also use a steam cleaner to kill any remaining eggs. Additionally, it is important to use a bed bug-proof cover on your mattress and box spring to prevent any eggs from hatching.
Finally, it is important to inspect your home regularly for any signs of bed bugs and their eggs. If you find any, it is best to use the services of a pest control professional to help you get rid of them. Eminent Pest Control is a leading pest control specialist in Singapore that offers effective and enduring bed bug management solutions.
#2 Shell Casings
Bed bug shell casings, also known as exoskeletons, are the outer shells of bed bugs that sheds as the pests grow. Bed bug shells are typically light brown or tan in color and are oval-shaped with ridges along the sides. They are usually around 1mm in length and are usually found in areas where the bed bugs have been living. Bed bug shells are a key indicator of an infestation and should not be ignored.
Bed bug shells are most commonly found near the edges of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture. You may also find them in cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and other areas of the home. Bed bug shells are often found in clusters and can be identified by their distinct ridges.
When inspecting for bed bugs, it is important to look for the shells, as they can help to confirm the presence of an infestation. If bed bug shells are found, it is important to take steps to eliminate the infestation as soon as possible. This may include cleaning and vacuuming the area, using insecticides, and/or contacting a pest control professional.
#1 Live Bed Bugs
The clearest indication of an infestation is the presence of live bed bugs. As these bugs are not very mobile, they are not usually seen unless the problem has become quite severe. It may take something like packing for a move to disturb their hiding places and reveal the live bed bugs. Often, insects such as spider beetles, carpet beetles, and cockroach nymphs are sometimes mistaken for bed bugs. Another misconception that people may have is that bed bugs are equal to the size of an apple seed, but this is inaccurate. An apple seed is around 8 mm in length, while adult bed bugs are 4-5 mm long, and bed bug nymphs are only about 1 mm.
