Bed Bugs: How to Spot Them and Get Rid of Them

Brief summary: Bed bugs are tiny, biting bugs in bed that can be a real nuisance. They hide in mattresses and furniture, and they come out at night to feed on human blood. These biting bugs in bed can cause itchy, red marks and can be quite tricky to get rid of. This article helps you know what to look for and how to deal with bug bites in bed.

What Are Bed Bugs?

In simple words, bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. These bugs in bed are usually brown and about the size of an apple seed.

Appearance of Bed Bugs

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that are about the size of an apple seed. They have flat bodies, and after feeding, they become reddish and swollen.

Can You See Bed Bugs with the Naked Eye?

Absolutely yes!, you can see adult bed bugs. They are big enough to be visible without any special equipment. But the younger ones, called nymphs, and the eggs might be harder to spot without a magnifying glass.

Where Do You Find Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs love to hide in dark and secluded places. You might find them in:

• Mattresses and bed frames
• Box springs
• Headboards
• Nightstands and dressers
• Carpets and rugs
• Curtains

Traveling with Bed Bugs

These insects can also travel from place to place in your luggage, clothes, or used furniture. If you visit a place with bed bugs, you might unknowingly bring them home with you.

How Did I Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs can come from many places. Maybe you stayed in a hotel that had them, or you bought a used piece of furniture that was infested. Once they’re in your home, they can move around easily, hiding in tiny places. Always check your hotel room for signs of these bugs in bed. According to some experts, it’s a good idea to keep your suitcase off the floor and bed to prevent them from getting inside.

Physical Signs of Bed Bugs

Bites on Your Skin

One of the most noticeable signs of bed bugs is the itchy bites on your skin. These bites often appear in rows or clusters and might look like small red bumps.

Blood Stains

If you find tiny rust-colored stains on your sheets or pillowcases, those might be from bed bugs being crushed.

Fecal Spots

Bed bugs leave behind small dark spots that can be seen on mattresses, sheets, or walls. These spots are the feces of the bugs and are another sign of their presence.

Musty Scent

Bed bugs usually release chemicals to communicate with each other. This can create a musty or sweet smell, often described as similar to wet towels. If you notice an unusual odor around your bed or furniture, it might be a sign of an infestation.

Shed Skins

Basically, as bed bugs grow, they shed their skins. These light brown, paper-thin skins might be found near their hiding spots. If you notice these in your room, it’s a strong indication of bed bugs.

Eggs and Eggshells

Bed bug eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead, and white. You might find these eggs or the remains of eggshells near where bed bugs hide.

Pest control professionals will often look for the above signs when you call them to check for bed bugs. They have special tools and knowledge that help them find even the smallest signs of these insects.

How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

Clean Everything

The process starts with a thorough cleaning:

• Wash Your Bedding: Use hot water to wash all your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. Experts say heat kills bedbugs, so drying these items in the highest dryer setting can be very effective.
• Vacuum Your Home: Vacuum your mattress, furniture, and floors, and then throw away the vacuum bag.

Use Special Products

You can buy special sprays and powders designed to kill bed bugs:

• Spray-Infested Areas: Use the spray on your mattress, furniture, and any other infested areas.
• Apply Powder: Some powders can be applied to cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.

Call the Experts

Sometimes, the problem might be too big for you to handle alone. In that case, calling a professional pest control service is a wise decision.

How to Prevent Them from Coming Back?

After you get rid of the bed bugs, you’ll want to make sure they don’t come back:

• Be Careful When Traveling: Bed bugs can hitch a ride on your luggage, so inspect your bags and belongings when you return home.
• Use Protective Covers: Consider using mattress and pillow covers that are designed to keep bed bugs out.
• Regularly Inspect Your Home: Keep an eye on your furniture and bedding, looking for signs of bed bugs.