How to Check for Bed Bugs
In our day-to-day lives, especially during the summer, we encounter all kinds of creatures and pests that are very unpleasant. Ticks and mosquitoes are some of the most common insects around, as well as the most concerning, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. Tons of pests can seriously degrade your quality of life, so it is important to stay prepared for any insect-related eventuality.
One insect that goes under the radar, despite its horrendous reputation, is the bed bug. Tiny and reddish-brown, bed bugs are the stuff of nightmares for those who have the misfortune of encountering them. These days, bed bug infestations are much less common than a century ago, but they are still an ever-present threat. Bed bugs, unlike ticks, have not been shown to transmit diseases to their victims, but an infestation can cause serious consequences that go beyond health.
Causing everything from sleep loss to economic consequences, bed bugs need to be taken extremely seriously as they are highly resilient insects. If even one bed bug survives efforts to exterminate them, your bed bug problem will continue. So, how can you assess if you need a bed bug exterminator?
Here's how to check for bed bugs
Although bed bugs can be hard to detect at times, many tell-tale signs will let you know if you have a problem. These include:
Blood spots: When bed bugs feed on our blood, they become engorged much like ticks do and swell to look like a football. If you happen to move around in your sleep, there is a chance that you will exert pressure on the bug by rolling around or unconsciously smacking it. Should this occur, the bug may die or will allow some blood to leak out. If you see blood on your sheets, make sure to check for these insects
Shell casings: Bed bugs go through a few life stages, a period during which they will shed their shells several times. If you see insect shells in or around your bed, this is a very clear sign that you have a genuine bed bug problem.
Fecal marks: Like all creatures, bed bugs will produce fecal matter after feeding. In this case, bed bug fecal matter is dark brown or black and can look like a marker stain that bled into the fabric. You can also find these markings on clothing and surrounding hiding areas where bed bugs might shelter.
Eggs: Bed bugs lay very small, pale white eggs. If you investigate and discover very tiny white eggs in your room, you likely have a bed bug infestation.
Smell: Bed bugs have been described as giving off a cilantro or raspberry scent. Not all people can smell this, though. However, if you have a serious infestation, you may start to smell a very musky or stale metallic scent. Because bed bugs feed on our blood, their fecal matter smells somewhat like the iron in our blood, giving off a rusty scent. This is the least reliable indicator of bed bugs as any bed can become musty, but in combination with other signs, there may be a bed bug infestation in your home.
Bite marks and living bed bugs are also clear indicators. To defend against these insects, make sure you consult professionals who can handle the infestation for you. If you still aren’t sure you have a bed bug problem, give us a call for a free inspection. We care about your health and are here to ensure bed bugs have no place in your home.
From blood spots to eggs, bed bugs leave lots of clues. To defend against them, Scientifically Advanced Pest Control offers comprehensive Atlanta bed bug treatments. Give us a call at (770) 978-5839.
