Insects make up over 80% of the world’s animal population. That’s not too surprising, though, when you consider that they’ve been around for nearly 400 million years.
And while they might send shivers down your spine, most of them are harmless. With that said, some are considered to be pests.
Take mosquitos and cockroaches, for example, both can spread various diseases. Others, such as bed bugs, are more of an annoyance than anything.
Think you might have an infestation? Want to know what the early signs of bed bugs are? Then be sure to read the rest of the post!
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on blood. More specifically, on the blood of animals, including humans.
Appearance-wise, they’re brownish in color and about the size of an apple seed. They do not have wings. Instead, they have six legs, which allow them to crawl great distances.
As it is, they are notoriously hard to get rid of. For that reason, it’s highly recommended that you find a local company for the job. Chances are, you won’t be able to eliminate them by yourself.
4 Early Signs of Bed Bugs
The sooner you deal with a bed bug infestation the better. Here are some signs to look out for.
1. Molted Skins
Bed bugs, like many insects, molt as they grow. In other words, there’s a high chance that you’ll come across empty shells and skins in the house.
Generally speaking, they will be small—about 1mm long. You might find them along the box spring, headboard, or mattress seams.
2. Reddish or Rusty Stains
Reddish or rusty stains might appear on your mattress or sheets if you have an infestation. It means that you’ve accidentally crushed a bed bug while sleeping (it happens more often than you think).
Also, their fecal matter can leave rust-colored spots on your box springs or bed sheets.
3. Musty or Stale Odor
Bedbugs release pheromones when they’re disturbed and it just so happens that they have a musty odor. Some people also compare it to the smell of cilantro or berries.
The greater the number, the stronger the smell.
4. Itchy Spots On Skin
Itchy, red spots on the skin is a telltale sign that you have a bedbug infestation. This is especially true if they appear in clusters or straight rows.
Keep in mind, however, that not everyone will react to the bites—that is, some people might not feel anything even after being bitten.
Identifying Bed Bug Infestations
The bottom line is, there are several early signs of bed bugs that you can watch for. When in doubt, contact your local pest control company—they’ll know what to do to fix the problem!
Looking for more articles like this? Then why not check out the rest of our website?
