subject: Signs Of Bed Bugs - Learn What To Look For [print this page] Signs Of Bed Bugs - Learn What To Look For
If you think you may have a bed bug infestation but you are not 100% sure, you need to read this article. Knowing what to look for and where to to hunt for signs of bed bugs is vital so that you can deal with the problem immediately.
One of the early signs of bed bugs is often bites, bed bugs are nocturnal and will feed at night while you sleep. As they suck your blood they release an anticoagulant substance which allows the blood to flow more readily and it is this which causes the reaction. So, if you get out of bed in the morning with a load of itchy red welts or a rash on exposed areas of skin - most often the face, arms, legs etc. there is a distinct possibility you could have bed bugs. However, there are a vast number of people who do not react at all to bed bug bites meaning that an infestation could potentially get out of control before any signs of bed bugs are detected.
If suspect an infestation it is vital that you act swiftly - here are some additional signs of bed bugs to hunt for:-
1. Check the bedding - if a bed bug has just finished feeding and it gets squashed as you move while you sleep it will pop! Disgusting but true! Therefore, another sign of bed bugs is sometimes blood smears on your sheets - you may also locate the dead bug.
2. Bed bugs love to hide away during the day and a favourite place is of course the bed. Strip off all bedding and check the mattress - particularly at the seams, in creases, around handles and buttons. You just might find live bed bugs or you may find dark faecel markings which have been left behind alternatively you may notice small translucent eggs which are approximately the size of a grain of rice attached to the mattress. All of these things are a sure sign of bed bugs. The headboard and box spring are also favoured by the bugs so be sure to check these too.
3. Getting away from the bed these little vampires can travel a good distance so don't be fooled into thinking they are just in your bed. You need to search the whole room. Check any cracks and crevices around walls and floors, in closets, drawers, electrical sockets, smoke alarms, picture frames and soft furnishings. Again the main signs of bed bugs if no live specimens are found are the dark faecal marks, dead bugs, shed skins and eggs.
4. Don't forget to thoroughly check clothing - in pockets, under collars, in shoes. These bugs like to hitch a ride to their next home so if you are not careful you will spread them to the office, the store, on public transport, they have even been found in schools!
If you find signs of bed bugs as I have described and you have inspected all the locations possible you can categorically say you have a bed bug infestation and it is time for action.!
