How Do I Know if I Have Bedbugs?

If there is a bedbug infestation in your home, it is in your best interest to find it as quickly as you are able. Failure to do so could result in the rapid spread and expansive growth of the infestation. As with any pest, it is far easier and less expensive to treat a small infestation versus an infestation that is widespread. It may prove exceptionally challenging, though, to pinpoint a small infestation. It is crucial, though, that you confirm an infestation as quickly as possible so that you may eliminate it rapidly. Continue reading for helpful tips on determining if you have a bedbug infestation.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

While it is true that bedbugs are relatively small, the adult insects may be seen. These bugs are reddish brown. They do not have wings. Generally speaking, they are about the same size as a seed from a fruit, such as an apple. The non-adult bedbugs may be seen, but they are typically translucent. In most instances, they are white or whitish-yellow.

The creatures are oval-shaped, but if they have recently had a blood meal, they may be oblong and darker brown in color. The creatures smell. It is a musty or a musty and sweetish type of smell. This smell comes from the glands that are located on the bottom or the lower section of the body.

The Behavior and Habits of Bedbugs

To properly identify a bedbug infestation, you should gain an understanding of the behaviors and habits of bedbugs. These may be narrowed down by life stages/mating processes, feeding, and general living conditions. The following outlines information on each of these factors:

1. Life Stages and Mating – In total, there are seven life stages. In the first, the bedbug must obtain one blood meal. Otherwise, it will die. During each stage of life, the skin of the bug molts. From egg to life takes between 4 and 5 weeks. Females lay 1 to 3 eggs every day and – on average – about 200-500 during their lifetime. They must feed at least once every 2 weeks to mate and produce eggs. This goes for males, too.
2. Feeding – Bedbugs prefer to obtain their blood meals from humans; however, they will also feed on other types of mammals and even birds. They most often feed at night – when most active – but if they are not satisfied, they will feed during daylight hours. Feeding on blood meals is the main culprit behind the rusty spots that are located on sheets, beds, and other hiding places.
3. General Living Conditions – Bedbugs may remain active in temperatures between 46°F – 112°F; however, any lower or higher temperatures typically result in their death. Bed bugs will live in absolutely any area or place where a host resides. Subtropical and tropical areas serve as a home to tropical bed bugs. These are capable of living through exceptionally high temperatures. Many bed bug treatments involve the use of heat. If heat is used, it must be maxed out to a very hot temperature in order to ensure that it reaches all of the locations where bed bugs hide in a given area.

What are the Early Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?

It is difficult to find bedbugs in the home. If these creatures are within a home, it is even more difficult to get rid of them. The secret to success is to know what to look for in the earliest stages of an infestation. The following outlines these early signs:

1. Bites – The most common of all signs of bedbugs is the presence of bites on those that reside within the home. The bites will be small, red bumps that are itchy. The most common locations where the bites occur are on the legs, arms, and the hands. These bites may appear in clusters.
2. Musty Smell – The next sign that a bedbug infestation is present is the presence of a musty smell. This smell will be unusual and there will be no other known cause of the smell. The smell is similar to wet towels, laundry that is moldy, and even that of rust.
3. Bloodstains on Bed – The next sign that bedbugs are present within the home is the presence of bloodstains on the bed. These stains will be on the sheets, other bedding material, and may even be on the mattress itself.
4. Fecal Matter Marks – The next sign of a bedbug infestation is the presence of fecal matter marks left behind by the insects. These will look like little spots the size of a tip of a pen that are either brown or black. These may be found on sheets, clothing, and other furniture throughout the home.
5. Dead Skin – Translucent colored exoskeletons are left behind by the bedbugs that are considered to be juveniles. You may find these on bedding, in corners, in other furniture, and on any other item where bedbugs may frequent within the home.
6. Eggs – If you see pearly-colored or whitish, oval-shaped substances that are about the size of a pinhead, you may be observing bedbug eggs. These are typically found in places where bedbugs hang out in the home. These look very much like small grains of white rice.
7. Live Bugs – Finally, if you notice live bugs, it is quite likely that you have an active infestation. These are small, flat insects that are small and reddish-brown, in color. These insects will lodge themselves in cracks and crevices. Sometimes, people confuse them for spider beetles, baby roaches, and other types of insects that are relatively small.

Where Do Bedbugs Hide?

When not in engaging in the process of feeding, bedbugs will hide in various locations throughout the home. The following outlines the most common of these locations:

1. In a bed, these insects will hide near the piping, the seams, and the tags of both the box spring and the mattress. You may also observe them around the headboard and near the frame of the bed.
2. They will hide in the seams of any type of furniture.
3. You may find bedbugs hiding within the folds of curtains, bedding, and furniture covers.
4. Bedbugs commonly hide among drawer joints.
5. It is common for the creatures to hide in tools, such as the head of a screw or in a socket.
6. Many bedbugs may be found hiding in electrical receptacles and within various types of appliances.
7. Bedbugs may hide behind items placed or hung on a wall and even behind loose wallpaper.
8. It is common for these creatures to hide in the area where the ceiling meets the walls of the home.
9. They may hide in holes and gaps that are present on cardboard boxes.
10. They may be found along the side region of a window frame and even near or within electrical outlets on the wall.

Contact Us Today

If you feel as if you have a bedbug infestation, contact us here at All Pest Exterminating now. We will schedule an appointment for an inspection to confirm the type of pest that is present in and around your home. We will then outline a treatment plan with you that will quickly and effectively eliminate the pests from your home. We are competitively priced, licensed, insured, and experienced in combatting a wide array of pests. Regardless of your needs, we can assist you. If you need us, contact us now at: 765-259-0043