Five Signs Your Western Massachusetts Home May Have A Bed Bug Problem

Bed bugs are tiny. But they're not so tiny that you can't see them. If bed bugs get into your Western Massachusetts home, they won't be out in the open. They look for gaps, cracks, holes, recesses, and compressed spaces to hide in. The reason some people think bed bugs are microscopic is that they are so good at hiding. You may not be able to find them, even if you do a detailed inspection. That's why it is good to know the signs bed bugs leave around. Here are five signs that can help you detect bed bugs in your home.

1. Bites

This warning sign is the most obvious indication that you have bugs hiding in your home. If you wake up with a bunch of bites on your skin, you may have all the evidence you need. But bed bugs aren't the only bugs that can bite you, and sometimes bumps and rashes aren't insect bites.

Bed Bug Bites — The defining characteristic of bed bugs bites is that they usually appear in a line, zig-zag, or pathway. Each individual bed bug bites more than once. Entomologists jokingly refer to these bites as breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they are usually three bites. When bed bugs come out at night, they feed in the same area. This will cause the bites to look like they move in a path over the skin.

Not A Bed Bug Bite — There are many bugs that can bite you. If you are bitten by something other than a bed bug, you might be able to rule bed bugs out. Some spider bites have an ulcer in the center. Bed bug bites do not. Fleas tend to bite the feet and ankles. Bed bug bites tend to be more toward the head because they are attracted to carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes tend to be on areas of the body that are not covered by clothing. Bed bug bites can be on the skin where clothing would cover the area. Chiggers bite the soft tissue of the elbows and knees, or on the skin where the belt compresses the waistline of pants against the skin. Bed bugs don't tend to bite in these locations.

Not A Bite — A bumpy rash can look like bed bug bites. If you have an allergic reaction to something, you might think that you're being bitten. This might be an allergy to a fabric softener or some other chemical. It may be an allergic reaction to carpet beetle larvae, which can sometimes be found feeding on fabrics in beds.

2. Shed Skins

Bed bug nymphs shed their skins as they pass from one instar to the next. These skins can be a warning of bed bugs in your home. You may find these skins out in the open, but it is more likely that they'll be in compressed spaces. We recommend dragging a credit card along the seams of mattresses and box springs and using a tool to dig into holes, cracks, and crevices of your bed frame.

3. Eggs

Bed bugs lay tiny white eggs. These tiny, 1 mm eggs will be found in compressed areas. We recommend inspecting the seams, cracks, and creases of duffel bags, book bags, pocketbooks, luggage, and other carriables. Also, check your mattress, box spring, bed frame, and furniture around your bed.

4. Black And Brown Stains

Bed bugs leave their excrement in many places. This material is black. You may see tiny specks, blotches, or patches of black. There may also be brown stains with the black stains. This is because bed bugs sometimes excrete blood as they excrete feces. Dried blood stains will appear tan or brown.

5. Unpleasant Aroma

Bed bugs communicate with pheromones. These pheromones have an unpleasant scent. The more bed bugs you have, the more noticeable this "off" smelling aroma will be. Some describe it as the scent of a musky towel.

When You Find Warning Signs

At the first sign of a bed bug infestation, contact American Pest Solutions. We service Western Massachusetts with industry-leading pest control. We can give you an accurate assessment of your bed bug infestation and provide you with the right solution to correct your issue. Reach out to us today and schedule an inspection to get started.