How do I Know the Early Signs of Bed Bugs?

It’s one thing no one ever thinks will happen to them; bed bugs. Just the mention of them makes people skin crawl. But learning the signs of bed bugs, and knowing when to get professional help, is one of the biggest steps to dealing with this issue. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for and what to do if you think you have bed bugs.

Early Signs of Bed Bugs

Unfortunately, bed bugs are experts at hiding and can be difficult to see, even when they’re right in front of you. The following are early signs of bed bugs:

• Little red-brown marks on linens. These will usually be found on sheets or pillow cases, and come from the bugs being crushed when someone rolls over on them during the night.
• A similar sign can be bloodstains on your sheets or clothing. These are usually from bites that have continued to bleed a little after the bugs have bitten you.
• Small black dots along different parts of your bedding and furniture. These are the excrement of the bugs, and are generally found first along the edges of your mattress, box spring and headboard. These little spots may not look like much, but they can cause allergic reactions in some people due to their high levels of histamines.
• A sweet, musty smell. This smell is caused by the glands that bedbugs use to produce pheromones.
• Bug bites! These itchy little welts are one of the early signs of bed bugs, and are generally one of the first to tip you off to an infestation.
• Bed bugs themselves. If you see small, apple seed sized bugs crawling around your sleeping space, it’s pretty safe to assume they are bed bugs.

If you see any of these signs, it’s probably time to call in an expert. Bed bug DIY treatments are available, but can end up prolonging your problem by only treating the symptoms. A professional will treat the root of the problem to eliminate the infestation from the source.

Inspecting Your Home

If you suspect you have bedbugs in your home or business, it’s important to inspect regularly. The best way to do this is with a flashlight and a magnifying glass so you can get a good look at all the nooks and crannies where they might be hiding. If possible, try to do your inspection at night when bedbugs are most active so you’re more likely to see them out and about.

Dealing With Early Signs of Bed Bugs

If you think you may have found evidence of bed bugs in your home or business, there are a few things you can do until you can get professional help:

Vacuum Regularly

This will help get rid of any insects that may be present as well as their eggs or feces which could trigger allergies or asthma attacks. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag afterwards so the insects don’t just end up back where they started!

Launder All Linens on High Heat

This will kill any insects or eggs that may be present on these items. Be sure to wash everything on the hottest setting your fabric can handle without damage. Most fabrics can withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit without issue, but some may start to break down at those temperatures, so check care labels first! You also must dry items on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. These actions will kill any bed bugs on the items washed and dried, but will not remove the infestation in the rest of your home.  

Use Encasements

Encasements are special covers that go over mattresses/box springs/pillows which prevent bedbugs from getting in or out. This is a great way to prevent infestations as well as containing any that may already exist. Just make sure there are no holes or tears before using an encasement.

Call a Professional

Ultimately, the best way to ensure the problem is totally eliminated is to call in a professional bed bug company to help you. These treatments require specialized equipment and training so it’s best left to someone who knows what they’re doing.

Bed Bug Barbeque

Bed Bug Barbeque is the professional solution to bed bug problems. Our experienced, licensed technicians use advanced treatments and specialized tools to eliminate bed bugs from your home or business quickly and effectively. We customize our approach to each individual situation to provide maximum efficiency, and all of our treatments are 100% safe for your family and pets. Call us today at (216) 221-1227 or visit our website to take the first step towards a bed bug-free home!