How to Know If You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

​Bed bugs do not only feast on the people’s blood, they also cause havoc on the wallets of those who have bed bug infestation since treatments do not come cheap at all.

These annoying bugs are actually easy to kill - the only problem is their tiny size. Since bed bugs look like tiny apple seeds, they can hide in cracks and crevices that we usually don’t think twice about as their potential hiding places. They are also smart enough to hitch rides from people who have just come from vacations or visits to places infested with bed bugs. They cling to almost everything - from luggage, clothing, furniture, and even books.

Identifying Bed Bugs

The first step in dealing with a bed bug infestation is to accurately identify these pests. Adult bed bugs are small, flat, and oval-shaped, with a reddish-brown color. They are approximately the size of an apple seed but can become engorged and larger after feeding. 

​While bed bugs are most commonly found in beds and mattresses, they can also inhabit other furniture, cracks in walls, electrical outlets, and even clothing.

Look out for signs such as dark spots (fecal stains) on mattresses and furniture, discarded exoskeletons, or small blood stains on bedding, as these are indications of a bed bug presence.

You can also follow this step-by-step process to identify the pest:

• Step One: Do you find raised red welts and bite marks in lines on your body? Do the welts itch and burn…and is there a rash in the area around them?  Bed bug bites initially don’t hurt but soon start itching and burning.They can often be confused with flea bites.  However, unlike flea bites, they don’t have a red spot in the center. Additionally, flea bites will generally appear around your ankles while bed bug bites will be found on any skin that would normally be exposed while sleeping.

 

• Step Two: Bed bugs shed their entire outer shell as they grow. They also leave dark red fecal matter stains and blood stains that look like spots. They leave eggshells and molt five times until they become adults. Look for these under the bed sheets on the mattress - near the edges, crevices and piping – anywhere they can hide. Box springs and bed frames should also be given a careful inspection. Bed Bugs also leave a bad musty odor around the house.

 

• Step Three: If you are not sure whether you have bed bugs, look harder. Around your bed, inside things lying around the area, inside electrical outlets and the clothing you wore while sleeping. Still unsure?  Or if you do find out you do have an infestation? Call a local exterminator.

I Have A Bed Bug Infestation, What Happens Next?

So you have found some bed bugs and definitely have an infestation, what now? You can try a bed bug treatment yourself by doing the following steps:

• Confirm the Infestation: Before starting any treatment, it's crucial to ensure that you indeed have a bed bug infestation. Consult with a professional pest control service to perform a thorough inspection and confirm the presence of bed bugs.

 

• Declutter and Clean: Reduce the number of hiding places for bed bugs by decluttering your living space. Vacuum your mattress, furniture, and carpeting thoroughly, paying close attention to seams, cracks, and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside your home.

 

• Launder and Heat Treat Fabrics: Wash infested bedding, linens, clothing, and curtains in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry them on high heat. This will kill any bed bugs and their eggs hiding in the fabrics.

 

• Seal Cracks and Crevices: Use caulk or sealant to fill in cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, furniture, and baseboards. This helps eliminate hiding spots and prevents bed bugs from spreading to other areas.

 

• Apply Targeted Insecticides: Professional pest control services have access to effective insecticides that specifically target bed bugs. Their expertise ensures safe and proper application, eliminating bed bugs while minimizing risks to your family and pets.

 

• Follow Professional Guidance: Work closely with professionals, such as Jersey City Exterminators, to develop a comprehensive bed bug treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They will guide you through the process, provide follow-up treatments if necessary, and offer valuable advice on preventing future infestations.