Spotting a bed bug infestation can be tricky, especially since these insects are notorious for being difficult to detect. Often, by the time you notice them, they’ve already started making their presence known in subtle ways. Early detection is key to preventing a larger bed bug problem. Read on to learn more about the signs of bed bugs and how to identify an infestation.

Bites

Usually, people initially suspect they have bed bugs when they wake up to small, itchy bug bites. Bed bug bites are found anywhere your skin meets the bed, including your hands, feet, arms, legs, face, neck, and back. They’re generally little raised bumps on your skin that are red or purple in color and have a line or zigzag pattern. They can be easily mistaken for a rash or hives, but the distinguishing factor here is their distinct pattern.

Blood or Fecal Stains

If you find tiny red or brown spots on your bed, this may be a sign of a bed bug infestation. Fresh bites can leave small blood stains on blankets, sheets and pillow cases. Spots in the same areas of the bed that are brown are indicative of bed bug fecal matter. You may even notice these tiny stains on your clothing, which is another indication of bed bugs.

Shed Skins

Bed bugs molt numerous times over various stages in their life, leaving behind hollow exoskeletons. These are generally referred to as shed skins or shells, which are tiny and generally a pale or translucent, yellow-ish brown color. They can be whole or fragments and are often found in mattress seams. 

Musty Odor

A musty, unpleasant smell in your bedroom can be a sign of a bed bug infestation, particularly if you’ve noticed bites or other clues. At first, the odor is faint, but it tends to get stronger over time, usually within a few weeks. The smell comes from bed bug feces, which has a rusty, iron-like scent, along with dead bed bugs and their shedded skins. Together, these create a distinct, musty odor often likened to rust or stale, damp air.

Eggs

Similar to how they leave their shed skins behind, bed bugs also leave eggs. These eggs are very small, about the size of a pinhead, with a pearly white appearance. They’re oval shaped and resemble grains of rice. Freshly laid eggs appear soft and shiny due to the sticky substance that helps them stick to different surfaces. Whereas, hatched eggs appear dry and wrinkled. Bed bug eggs can be found anywhere bed bugs are found, including mattress seams, couch cushions, curtains, carpets, baseboards, or in cracks and crevices in the walls. 

Seeing Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are wingless and reddish-brown in color. They have a flat, oval-like shape and are between five and seven millimeters long. They’re pretty good at concealing themselves, but can be spotted if you do a thorough inspection of your mattress, especially in the seams. If you see insects that have these features in any of the previously mentioned areas, it may be time to call the professionals.

If you notice any of these signs of bed bugs in your home, don’t hesitate to contact your trusted Ankeny bed bug control team at Pro-Staff. After a thorough inspection, our expert technicians use their experience, commercial-grade insecticides and specialized equipment to eliminate them. Not only do we help you get rid of bed bugs, we help you prevent them in the future. Call us at (515) 279-7378 for your free inspection or request a quote online to get started.