Bed bugs are a common pest in the United States. These tiny insects can cause itchy red bites that make sleeping very uncomfortable. Even before these pests bite you, knowing they’re around can make sleeping difficult and cause undue stress.
It’s also not uncommon for some to have allergic reactions or suffer from insomnia from a prolonged infestation. Thankfully, you can detect signs of bed bugs early by paying close attention.
Bed Bugs 101: What Are They?
People often mistake bed bugs for fleas, ticks, carpet beetles, cockroach nymphs, or other small insects. Bed bugs are small brownish insects with round or oval-shaped bodies. They come out at night to feed on their hosts while they are sleeping.
Most of these tiny bugs are smaller than an apple seed but still visible to the naked eye. Adults are 5-7 millimeters long and travel from clothing or furniture onto humans.
These pests are easy to miss. They like to hide in mattresses and box springs and behind baseboards and switch plates. They also like furniture or other soft home furnishings. You might also find them in buses or cars, and many travelers encounter them in hotels.
Bed bugs reproduce quickly. A single female can lay up to five eggs a day. These pests can also go without food for several months and even withstand temperatures from freezing to 122 degrees.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide in our breath. They leave behind stains and fecal spots on sheets. You might also find red spots on your skin and fecal spots on the seams of mattresses. Another sign of bed bugs is a sweet or musty odor in the home and molted shells in or around sleeping areas.
Bed bug bites generally occur on the face, arms, neck, or hands and often form in a rough line or cluster. While bites from fleas often center around the ankle, bed bug bites appear on any exposed skin.
FAQs
How do I get bed bugs?
This opportunistic insect doesn’t care how clean your home is or if you wash your sheets in hot water. These pests can catch a ride on any object that comes into your home.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
Prolonged infestation can cause anemia in susceptible individuals, but bed bugs won’t transmit diseases. A bed bug bite can itch severely, and having a lot of them can lead to insomnia.
Are bed bug infestations a major concern for homeowners?
Once an infestation spreads, these pests can be challenging to control or eradicate. Bed bug control works best when you catch an infestation early, as many bed bug treatment options require multiple applications.
Spotting Bed Bugs: Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs prefer out-of-sight spaces, hiding along baseboards or the seams of your mattress. You can also find these pests:
- Behind wall frames and electrical outlets.
- Inside appliances and furniture.
- In the folds of your drapes and curtains.
- Between drawers.
You can even sometimes find bed bugs on cardboard, under loose wall decor or wallpaper, and where your walls and ceiling meet.
Signs of bed bugs include rusty colored stains on linens or tiny dark spots smaller than a pinhead. These happen when bugs get crushed after feeding. You might also find tiny pale eggs and eggshells about 1mm in diameter or live bed bugs.
Other signs include shed exoskeletons, bites, and a sweet, musty odor resembling coriander that is unusual for your home.
Get Bed Bugs Out of Your San Antonio Home
For the best and most long-lasting results, let a professional handle a bed bug infestation in your home. Romney Pest Control in San Antonio provides customers with prompt service. Our tried-and-true solutions work with any infestation size. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the process in full.
With several locations across Texas, we guarantee our services and use top-of-the-line treatments. If you see any signs of bed bugs, don’t settle for subpar pest control companies. Call Romney Pest Control today!
