Bed Bugs: Signs Of An Infestation and How To Make Them Leave

Bed bugs are small, flat, oval, brownish parasitic insects that live solely on the blood of sleeping people and animals. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, but become slightly larger after feeding. They can live several months without a meal, and reproduce rapidly. A female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs in its lifetime.

If you have bed bugs, you'll soon begin to notice the following signs:

1. Bites marks

Bites will appear on your arms, face, and shoulders, which are typically exposed as you sleep. These bites can sometimes take up to 14 days to appear.

2. Spots in Bed Sheets

Shortly after bed bugs feed, they will usually “burp,” leaving small rust spots in sheets and/or pillowcases.

3. An Unusual Odor in the Affected Room

When a bed bug problem becomes significant, there is normally a musty odor. This odor tends to smell like a wet towel that’s been left on the floor too long. If you find your otherwise clean room smelling like a gym locker, you may have bed bugs.

Inspection:

1. Use a Good Flashlight and Inspect the Bed

Thoroughly inspect your sheets, including the corners, for any rust-colored stains, bed bugs, or the exoskeletons of molted bed bugs. (Bed bugs molt like a snake and they shed their outer layer each time.)

2. Inspect the Seams of the Mattress and Box Springs

Another favorite spot for bed bugs is along the edges of your mattress and box springs. Signs of bed bugs include rust-colored stains, black dots, live bed bugs, or their exoskeletons.

• Do not forget to inspect both sides.
  

3. Inspect the Bed Frame (Such as the Headboard, Footboard, Sides, and Any Support Framing)

Look at cracks and screws, as bed bugs will hide in exceedingly small cracks and crevices.

4. Inspect Furniture Close to the Bed Such As Nightstands.

Pull out the drawers and look underneath the drawers and at the internal construction. Focus your inspection on cracks and screws.

5. Inspect the Wall and Floor Junction

Inspect the wall and floor junction behind the bed. Bed bugs will hide in baseboards, or even under your carpet.

6. Remove and Inspect Picture Frames

Remove and inspect picture frames on the wall close to your bed. Bed bugs like to hide behind these.

7. Inspect Switches and Outlet Covers

Remove all switch and outlet covers to inspect for signs of bed bugs.



What To Do If You Find Bed Bugs:

1. Call a Professional Pest Control Company

Be sure to check the company’s reviews, as not all exterminators are good at treating bed bugs.

2. Quarantine the Area.

• Do not remove any items from the infected room unless they’re in a sealed bag.

3. Run All Items Through the Dryer

• Run all items through the dryer on high heat for 1 hour. This will kill bed bugs and their eggs.
• Do not forget to place the items in a sealed bag when transporting them to the laundry room or you could be spreading them unknowingly.

What If You Cannot Wait For A Professional Pest Control Company?

1. Avoid the Temptation to Use Over-the-Counter Sprays.

Most sprays can cause bed bugs to spread, and bed bugs are resistant to many of these products.

2. Vacuum Up All Live Bed Bugs

3. Use Isopropyl Alcohol (60%).

This will kill bed bugs without causing them to spread.

• Use caution and proper equipment, as a respirator is recommended when spraying isopropyl alcohol.
  
  
  

I Just Want To Throw Out My Bed!

This is, in many cases, needed and a clever idea but... Throwing your bed out the window and into the yard may just cause bed bugs to take up residence in your yard and eventually back in your house. Before throwing out your mattress, make sure to:

1. Treat All Live Bed Bugs

Treat all live bed bugs on the mattress, box spring, and bed frame using isopropyl alcohol, or at least vacuum thoroughly.

2. Clearly Mark the Items Being Discarded

Make sure everyone is aware of the bed bugs. Mark whatever is going to the dump with the words “Bed Bugs,” or render the item useless by damaging it beyond repair.

• You would be surprised how many people bring home infested mattresses and furniture without knowing.

3. Wrap All Items in Plastic and Tape So They're Sealed