Signs of Bedbug Infestation
No one wants to think about bugs or other creepy crawlies in their beds, but that's exactly what bedbugs are: nearly invisible little creatures that are found in bedding, furniture, curtains and rugs of homes across the world. Contrary to common belief, bedbugs aren't attracted to dirt or filth, but blood. The thought of bedbugs is enough to cause many people shivers, so learning how to spot the signs of a bedbug infestation in your home is the first step to solving the problem.
-
Significance of Bedbug Infestation Risk Factors
-
Bedbugs have to come from somewhere. Many are brought into the home by animals, people, luggage, books and other objects. Because they are so small (often not more that 0.2 inches or 0.5 cm in length), they are nearly impossible to spot with the human eye unless you're looking for them. Look for signs that encourage or attract bedbugs as a first defense against them. These common signs that attract bedbugs include pets (cats and dogs are most common but other furry friends can also be culprits such as hamsters or ferrets). Bedbugs like a humid, tropical climate. They migrate easier in apartment complexes, condos and places with high human traffic, like homeless shelters and schools, than in a single, self contained home.
Signs of Bedbug Bites
-
Bedbugs leave small, red bumps on the skin. These bumps can itch. In many cases, these bumps appear in a line or curve, which indicates that the bedbug feasting on blood it extracted from your skin was moving around as it enjoyed repeated feeding sites. People whose skin is sensitive might note wheels, or inflamed, raised patches of reddened skin in a circular patterns that may appear nearly eight inches across. This is indicative of an allergic reaction. Some people may experience intense, rash-like itching and raised welts that look like hives. Blisters or raised, fluid-filled skin inflammation or swelling in localized areas are also common signs of bedbug bites. These blisters may itch or prove quite tender to the touch. In some individuals, the blisters may contain a pus-like substance that appears in clusters on various locations on the surface of the skin.
-
Signs of Infestation in the Home - Bedding
-
Bedbugs mostly move around at night. However, if you spot any unexplained spots of blood on bedding, sheets or mattresses, suspect a bedbug. In some cases, you might be able to spot a bed bug as a very tiny spot moving around on a sheet.
Walls
-
Bedbugs migrate from one location to another and may often be found in places other than a bed. One of the most common places bedbugs like to move and hide in is walls. Look at baseboards and wallpaper to detect signs of their presence, which usually includes tiny specks of blood that often looks like tar. If possible, peel back a corner or portion of old wallpaper to check for signs of infestation, which will appear as dozens, or even hundreds, of tiny black dots or specks of dark matter -- classic signs of bedbug excrement.
Furniture
-
Check cushions of furniture -- couches, chairs, beds and dog bedding for signs of a bedbug infestation. Look for signs of excrement along any crevice or fold in fabrics, which may be found in curtains, seams and joint connections of furniture. Excrement may appear like a small black dot or smear on furniture that is often mistaken for fleas.
Additional Signs of Infestation
-
The excrement left behind by feasting bedbugs is a sweet and strong scent of secretion. In homes where bed bug infestations are well advanced, this smell is often mistaken as a sweet musty odor.
-
