No one wants to wake up in the morning covered in small, itchy bites. But if you have a bed bug infestation, that could be your reality. The Des Moines bed bug removal specialists at Pro Staff have tips to help you recognize bed bug bites.
Identifying a Bite
If you’ve noticed a cluster of bites on your body, bed bugs could be the reason. To identify a bite, you first need to make sure the bites don’t have a red dot in the center. Bed bug and flea bites can look very similar, while flea bites have a red dot in the center, bed bug bites typically do not. You’re most likely to find bites on parts of the body that are exposed when sleeping, including the hands, neck, face, shoulders, legs, and arms. Typically, bites are grouped together in a small area, sometimes occurring in a line or a zig-zag pattern.
Bites often appear to be red and blistered, but it’s important to note that they can take a few days to cause symptoms. The most common symptom is itching. A bed bug’s bite is similar to a mosquito’s; they have needle-like mouthparts that pierce the skin, allowing them to reach their victim’s blood. Before they bite, they secrete saliva that has anticoagulant properties. This saliva is what causes a reaction. While it’s tempting to scratch, try applying a corticosteroid cream or taking an antihistamine. Scratching can lead to scarring and possibly an infection.
Diagnosing Bed Bugs
Along with bites, bed bugs leave behind a trail of evidence. Check your bedding, mattresses, and furniture for live bugs. Perform this check as early in the morning as possible. Bed bugs feed at night and become large and slow after feeding. If you don’t see live bugs, you might find molted exoskeletons, dark specks of feces, or rust-colored blood spots. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to contact a pest control specialist.
Bed bugs are a tough pest to get rid of. They’ve developed an insecticide resistance and can sneak inside your house from something as small as staying in a hotel room. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact the Des Moines bed bug removal experts at Pro Staff. Give us a call at 515-279-7378 or contact us online to get a quote today.