How Do I Know if I Have Bed Bugs?

Do you suspect you, or someone you know, might have bed bugs?

It hasn’t been since the 1950s that we’ve heard much about bed bugs within the United States. Increased travel, people choosing not to use insecticide sprays, and other factors are contributing to increased infestations. Problems with bed bugs are on the rise throughout the country – including the Phoenix and Tucson areas. They can be found in homes, apartments, hotels, dormitories and more.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not bed bugs are present. But, there are several signs you can look for.

How do I know?

Dark stains or spots on your mattress. The easiest way to know if you have an infestation is to look for dark spots on your mattress. These dark spots can be blood, feces, dead bugs or their eggs. Lift your mattress and inspect the underside, crevices and seams, and inspect the box spring. Evidence can also be found by searching nearby curtains and furniture. Inspect drawers, under cushions and in other tight corners and gaps. If you find something that suggests the presence of bed bugs, it is important that you do not remove anything from the room. You risk helping them move to other areas of your home.
Examine your skin. If you see a lot – or even a few – red bumps, large rash-like welts, or redness you should look around your room for bed bugs to confirm they are the cause. Although initially undetectable, after a few hours, bites from bed bugs typically cause intense itching and burning sensations. Without finding other proof of an infestation, the bites can be difficult to diagnose. While rows of welts on the skin are characteristic signs of bed bugs, more often they do not adhere to any particular pattern, shape or size. Despite the bumps or welts, it is important to know that bed bugs are not known to transmit disease.
Catch one. Adult bed bugs are brown, sometimes a reddish-brown, oval-shaped and flat and vary in size. Compared to penny, they can be as small as the “r” in “liberty,” and as large as Lincoln’s head. Catching one can be tough as they are fast moving insects that often feed at night. During the day, it is easiest to find them in dark protected locations. Using double-sided carpet tape beneath your bed as well as along the sides should help you trap a specimen. If you catch a suspect, save it and contact an expert to help you identify the insect.
Call a professional. A surefire way to be certain about an infestation is to contact a pest elimination professional to identify bed bugs inside your home. Qualified service technicians have a trained eye for spotting pest problems as well as special methods to detect pests.

What do I do?
If you suspect an infestation, don’t attempt to apply pesticides on your own. To safely and effectively eliminate bed bugs, it is best to contact a professional. Additionally, a professional can help you determine if you need to dispose of infected items like your mattress or other furniture. Many times, they can be treated and salvaged.

Be aware that bed bugs are highly mobile. Removing items from an infested room can only put other rooms inside your dwelling at risk. If you do need to dispose of furniture, deface or place it inside a dumpster to make it less appealing for others to bring inside their homes.

Are you concerned about bed bugs or other pests? Ask an expert or request a quote online today.