The Warning Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

A bed bug infestation can have dire consequences for your household. When bed bugs bite, they can irritate your skin and potentially cause allergic reactions. Some people also tend to become more anxious upon learning that bed bugs are now in their home.

Bed bugs can also drive down your home’s value. You may have a tough time selling your home if word gets around that it is overrun by bed bugs.

To solve this, you must learn how to catch bed bugs early and what to do with them. It all starts with recognizing the signs of a bed bug infestation.

What are the signs that I have bed bugs, you ask? We’ve already detailed those warning signs for you below.

Unusual Stains on Your Bedding

Probably the most common indicators of bed bug infestations are unusual stains on your bed or your sheets.

The stains in question may vary in color. Sometimes, they may look like smears of rust. Other times, they may look like small dark spots.

The rusty stains are remnants of bed bugs that you may have unwittingly crushed. Meanwhile, the dark spots are likely their droppings.

Make it a habit to look for those stains before you climb into your bed. If you notice those stains that we just described, then you need to remove and wash your bedding immediately. It’s also a good idea to inspect the rest of the bed carefully because there may be bed bugs that have already taken up residence there.

Distinctive Bite Marks on Your Skin

The presence of bite marks on your skin is another potential indicator that you have bed bugs.

Of course, bed bugs are not the only pests known for attacking us while we sleep. So, how can you be certain that you’re dealing with bed bugs and not some other kind of pest?

Bed bug bite marks are distinctive because they tend to appear on a line. The line of bite marks may run up your arm, leg, or a different part of your body.

In any case, you cannot ignore those bite marks. You must take action as soon as you can to remove the bed bugs that are inside your home.

A Musty Odor Hanging in the Air

Not all signs of bed bugs are visual. One particular sign is something you can only detect using your sense of smell.

Upon entering your bedroom, you may notice a musty odor in the air. That odor is likely being produced by the bed bugs in your room. It’s a mixture of the smells coming from bed bug excrement, their pheromones and dead bed bugs.

Cleaning up your room is a must the moment you detect that musty odor. Don’t wait for it to get any stronger because that could be a sign that the infestation has intensified.

Your Neighbors Have Bed Bugs

Lastly, you should also pay attention if your neighbors have bed bugs. If the bed bugs have gotten to them, then there’s a good chance that those pests could infiltrate your home soon.

Use this opportunity to clean your home so any bed bugs that have gotten in can be removed before they start causing problems. You should also consider pre-emptively washing and covering your bedding to eliminate any bed bugs in there.

Bed bugs have no place in your home. By being vigilant and watching for the warning signs of an infestation, you can do a better job of protecting your home from those pests