What Bed Bugs Look Like
Adult bed bugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed. They are flat and brown when they haven’t eaten, but become engorged and reddish-brown after a meal.
Bed bug nymphs go through several stages of development before becoming adults. Starting out as small, translucent bugs, they become progressively larger and darker through several molts.
Bed bug eggs are tiny and white and usually stick in seams and cracks where they won’t be disturbed.
Key Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Identifying a bed bug infestation is much easier if you know what signs to look for and where to look for them. A few signs are rather obvious, while others are harder to identify.
Live Bed Bugs
Spotting live bed bugs is a clear sign of an infestation. These nocturnal pests are most active at night. Still, during the day, you can check the places they hide: mattress seams, the space between mattress and headboard, behind picture frames and curtains, inside electrical outlets, in upholstered furniture seams, and in floor cracks.
Bites on the Skin
Bed bug bites are often the first sign people notice, making them a strong indication of an infestation. But how can you tell them apart from other bug bites? It can be tricky, since they look and feel similar. Typically, bed bug bites appear in clusters or uneven lines and usually appear on skin exposed during sleep, such as the neck, arms, or legs.
Stains or Spots on Bedding or Mattresses
After feeding, bed bugs often leave tiny drops of blood behind, which can appear as small red spots on your bedding. They also leave brown fecal smears or dots in the areas they frequent. These signs are most commonly found along mattress seams or in the sheltered spots where bed bugs like to hide.
Eggs and Shed Skins
As bed bugs mature, they molt several times, leaving behind shed skins. You’ll usually find these in the same sheltered areas where they hide during the day, spots that are also likely to contain their eggs.
Odor
In cases of a large or widespread infestation, you might notice a musty odor in heavily infested areas. This smell comes from bed bug secretions and is often compared to the scent of wet towels left in the laundry too long.
Why Acting Early Matters
Recognizing the signs of a bed bug infestation is crucial because early detection makes treatment much easier. Unlike most pests, bed bugs don’t follow predictable patterns, which makes prevention difficult. That’s why spotting an infestation early is so important for effective elimination.
Once they get into your house, bed bugs will reproduce and spread quickly. The longer they’re allowed to remain, the greater the infestation will become. The larger the infestation, the harder it is to treat, which leads to a greater financial and emotional toll on you.
By identifying and treating a bed bug infestation in its earliest stages, you can eliminate it quickly, saving you time, money, and stress.
What You Can Do to Prevent Bed Bugs
Unlike most pests, bed bugs don’t start by hanging around your yard; they’re true indoor hitchhikers. They travel into homes by catching a ride with people, often from infested hotel rooms, schools, public spaces, or other places where people gather. Bed bugs can easily crawl into bags or cling to clothing, which means they can sneak into your home without you even realizing it.
To prevent bed bugs, you have to be vigilant.
- Check your clothing and any items you have before entering your house.
- If you’re buying a new (or used) furniture, carefully inspect it before bringing it inside.
- Upon returning from vacation, inspect your luggage before bringing it inside and wash all clothing in hot water before putting it away.
- Inspect your house regularly for signs of bed bugs, especially after traveling or hosting house guests.
- Install mattress encasements on all your beds to prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattresses.
When to Call Harbor Pest Control
The moment you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact Harbor Pest Control. Even if you’re unsure what you saw, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Our experts can inspect your home, including the areas of concern, and determine whether bed bugs are present. If they aren’t, you gain peace of mind. If they are, our team, with over 75 years of experience, can eliminate them.
Our bed bug control process includes:
- A thorough inspection
- Customized treatment
- Follow-up to ensure complete eradication
Depending on your situation, we offer conventional treatments or whole-house fumigation. Whichever method is best, you can trust that we won’t rest until your home is bed bug-free.
At the first sign of a bed bug infestation, give Harbor Pest Control a call. You’ll sleep much better knowing your house is protected.
