Early Warning Signs of Bed Bugs

When it comes to pest control, it’s wise to be proactive and nip a potential infestation in the bud. But what happens when you don’t realize you have pests until the problem has already spread throughout your home?

One pest that may be multiplying stealthily while you remain blissfully unaware is the bed bug. June 4-10 is Bed Bug Awareness Week and, to mark this observance, we will share some tips on recognizing the early warning signs of bed bugs.

What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?

Some early warning signs of bed bugs include:

• Live bed bugs are the surest sign of a budding infestation. Learn how to recognize them so you can take action before they spread.
• Bites on your arms, legs, or other areas of exposed skin may be due to bed bugs.
• Bloodstains on bedding or furniture that have no other explanation may be due to bed bug bites or crushed bed bugs.
• Bed bug casings, droppings, or eggs are easily identifiable and are signs that live bed bugs are present (even if you haven’t seen any yet).
• A musty odor that smells vaguely berry-like may be due to bed bugs. Once you can smell them, they have already infested your home.

Can You See Bed Bugs in the Early Stages?

In the early stages of a bed bug infestation, it may be easy to explain away the signs.

A rusty spot on your sheets could be blood from a blemish or small cut, small brown specks could be dirt tracked in by a pet, or itchy spots on your legs could be an allergic reaction to something you brushed against in the yard. If you know the signs and look closely though, bed bugs and their handiwork are visible – even before a full infestation occurs.

How Can You Tell If a Bed Bug is on You?

Adult bed bugs are small, but they’re visible to the naked eye. They are flat and oval-shaped, approximately 4 to 5 millimeters long. Bed bugs are brownish in color and turn reddish-brown after consuming a blood meal. They are wingless and can neither fly nor jump. Instead, they crawl from place to place and – if there is a bed bug on you – you should be able to feel it moving around.

Bed bug bites occur in groups, typically in a crooked line. They are red and itchy and may cause additional skin irritation in the area of the bites. Bites are typically found on the legs, arms, or any other area of exposed skin.

How Long Can You Have Bed Bugs Without Realizing It?

Because bed bugs are quite small (and don’t multiply rapidly at first), it’s possible to go several months without noticing their presence. If you see any signs of bed bugs or if you think you may have bed bugs in your home, there are some things you can do to confirm your suspicions.

How to check for bed bugs:

• Examine beds and bedding (including all crevices) for live bugs, casings, droppings, or eggs.
• Check other soft furnishings like couches, fabric chairs, and pet beds. Bed bugs seek warmth and will gravitate toward areas where you spend the most time.
• Check for evidence of bed bugs around baseboards and the perimeter of all rooms.
• If you want to be absolutely sure whether you have bed bugs, contact a professional exterminator. We are trained in bed bug detection and remediation… and can stop an infestation in its tracks and restore your peace of mind.

Call Twin Forks Pest Control® for Bed Bug Remediation

Twin Forks Pest Control® offers state-of-the-art bed bug detection and remediation. If you see signs of bed bugs in your home, contact us online for an estimate or to schedule a service appointment. You may also reach out by phone: in Southampton, call (631) 287-9020; in Easthampton, call (631) 324-9020, or in Southold, call (631) 298-0500.