Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs plague homes, hotels and motels in cities all across the United States and around the world. Some infestations are full blown before occupants are aware of their existence. There are sure fire ways to look for the presence of bed bugs in your home or in any place you plan to sleep. By doing so, you are able to prevent the spread of these nasty and troublesome creatures. Save yourself the unpleasant side effects of their bites.

Identification

The bed bugs commonly found in the United States are called Cimex Lectularius. About the same size as apple seeds, they are wingless and reddish brown in color. They are not fast moving bugs and can be detected fairly easily with the human eye, but one must learn when and where to look for them.

Considerations

One of the first signs of bed bugs are bites on the skin with slightly raised red welts. Intense itching typically accompanies the bites. Most people suffer an allergic reaction to the bed bug's saliva, which causes both the itching, swelling and redness.

Features

Another common sign of the presence of bed bugs is random small droplets or smears of blood on the sheets or mattress. This may indicate the presence of bed bugs feeding on human blood in cases where the human didn't experience the telltale welts or itching.

Identification

To look for the presence of bed bugs, remove all bedding and look for actual bugs or bed bug debris (waste or blood) in the creases of the mattress and box spring. Check any area with fabric piping, such as the perimeter of the mattress and all pillows.

Time Frame

If you suspect an infestation of bed bugs, the best bet is to call an exterminator to determine their presence and issue a protocol of extermination. However there are ways to catch bed bugs in motion. Since they are nocturnal, set an alarm clock for just about an hour prior to dawn. Have a small flashlight handy. The illumination of a lamp will cause them to scurry. Spot illumination from a flashlight is likely to catch a few as they leave the area of the bed where you are sleeping and retreat to the seams.

Warning

Be sure to follow specific directions from extermination professionals to eliminate bed bugs from your home. Since they spread quickly and easily through clothing, carpeting and bedding, it may be necessary to replace many of these items once the area has been exterminated.

Resources

• Wikipedia