Common Signs You Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are nasty, parasitic, and uncomfortable little bugs are a force to be reckoned with—and certainly not something you should deal with on your own. The problem is, it can be difficult to know when you need bed bug control and how to check for bed bugs. To an untrained eye, bed bugs leave bites behind that look painfully similar to other insects. As pest control experts at Mitchell Pest Services, we know precisely how to identify bed bug bites and their habitats, whether you live in VA Beach, make your home in Arlington, reside in Richmond, or elsewhere in Virginia.

Signs You Have Bed Bugs in Your Home

To get rid of a bed bug infestation, you must first identify it. The common signs of bed bugs are:

Disturbance of sleep
Bite marks on your skin
Stains on your sheets
A distinct smell

Disturbance of Sleep

Bed bugs are more active at night and in beds, which is where their name comes from. If you notice itchy welts on your body while you're in bed or sleeping, it could be bed bugs causing the problem. Most homeowners don’t realize they have bed bugs until they start getting bit by them. Bed bug bites leave a distinct mark on your skin; they are flat, red welts with zigzag lines in small groupings or sometimes straight rows. The bites can be quite itchy and if scratched too much, can lead to secondary bleeding and infection.

Bite Marks on Your Skin

Bed bugs are drawn to exposed areas of the body. At night, this tends to be our shoulders and arms. In contrast, fleas and ticks typically isolate your ankles and lower legs. If you notice bites on your shoulders and arms after sleeping, you could have bed bugs.

Stains on Your Sheets

Bed bugs leave behind blood stains which look like small rust spots on the corners and edges of your bed. You may also notice exoskeletons from when the bed bugs shed their skin.

A Distinct Smell

If your bedroom has an unusually strong and unpleasant odour, like a wet towel, it could be a sign of bed bugs. The smell is caused by pheromones they released as a group. Get an inspection if you suspect bed bugs are present.

How to Know if You Have Bed Bugs

Now that you know what a few signs and symptoms are of bed bugs, the next step is to determine how to identify them. They can be found wherever you sleep, not just at home, so it’s a good idea to check your bedding while on the road too.

Here's how to check for bed bugs:

Inspect your bed. Before you pull back the sheets and climb into bed, strip your mattress and box spring inspecting the corners and seams. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass. If you see any reddish-brown or rust-colored stains it could very well be bed bugs.
Dissect the Bedroom. Once you’ve thoroughly inspected the bed, next inspect the room. Check any furniture that is upholstered such as curtains, furniture, and headboard. Keep an eye out for those reddish-brown spots.
Inspect the Closet. If you plan on setting up the hotel closet, check the corners and your clothing thoroughly. Knowing the signs and symptoms of bed bugs is half the battle. We hope these tips help keep you and your family bed bug bite-free. Keep reading to learn about ways to reduce pest invasions around your home.

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