If you suspect you have bed bugs, the first thing to do is confirm it, because a lot of other household pests get blamed for bites that were never theirs. Given we have fought bed bugs for years, we know how to check for them and identify them by their signs and their habits. Let us run through what to look for, so you can work out whether you have a bed bug problem or another pest to contend with.
What They Look Like
The good thing about bed bugs, one of the only positives really, is that they have a very particular look. Bed bugs have a small, flat body, whereas most other bug species found indoors are rounder and have a less flattened-down look. In terms of size, a bed bug is going to be something in the region of 4 to 5mm when it has reached full maturity, which puts it roughly in line with a seed you would find in most forms of seeded fruit, such as an apple. Colour is a little less reliable, as younger bed bugs tend to be more translucent or tan, and turn the reddish-brown shade most of us expect only once they have fed.
The Signs They Leave Behind
You will often notice the evidence before you notice a live bug. Spotting bed bugs involves knowing what they look like, but it also revolves around being able to spot their patterns, such as the stains they leave, and looking out for molted skins and eggshells. As bed bugs age from being a nymph into an adult, they leave behind their old casings, so you might start noticing some unsightly translucent casings lying around. Alongside those, look for small rusty or reddish blood stains on the sheets and clusters of tiny dark spots, which are the droppings the bugs leave where they gather.
Where To Look
Bed bugs give themselves away by where they choose to sit. When they are not feeding, bed bugs usually congregate near or at the bed of their hosts, on the mattress itself, and on the box springs. Start there, along the mattress seams and piping, then work outwards to the bed frame, the headboard, and any nearby crack or crevice. It is worth checking the home regularly, especially the beds, furniture, closets, carpet, and blankets, since the earlier you catch them the smaller the job is.
What To Do If You Find Them
If your search turns up live bugs or their signs, there are a couple of home steps worth taking straight away while you arrange proper treatment. Make a habit of carrying out a weekly vacuuming session around your bed, and run your bedding and nearby clothing through a hot wash and a high-temperature dryer. These steps lower the numbers, though they will not reach the source on their own, which is where professional treatment comes in.
Now that you know how to identify bed bugs, it should be easier to tell whether you have them. If you do, our Florida specialists can handle them for you, so you can contact us today for a free consultation.
