The first-bed bug symptom that people usually notice bites. But bites are not enough to confirm you have a bed bug problem. By the time you notice bites, you may already have a huge bed bug infestation in your home. A-Tex Pest Management lists some of the tell-tale signs of active bed bugs on your premises.
Bed Bug Feces & Fecal Stains
Bed bugs will almost immediately defecate after they eat a blood meal. The stains they leave behind will be the first indication that bed bugs have been around. These stains will be dark and will “bleed”. You may find these stains on bedding or on the mattress. The droppings may also be found in areas where they are hiding when they aren’t feeding.
Blood Stains from Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs also leave blood spots behind. These stains happen when engorged bed bugs have been crushed when you roll over on them while they are feeding. These stains will be found on bedding or your pajamas if you toss and turn a lot. Bloodstains are not enough to indicate you have an infestation.
Bed Bug Casings
When baby bed bugs grow, they will shed their skin. This can happen 5 times before they reach maturity. The skins look like lighter bed bug casings. You may notice different sizes of skins from different developmental stages. You will find these skins in areas they hide rather than in open areas like on bedding.
Bed Bug Shells
An indication of a growing infestation is empty eggshells that are about a millimeter in length. You can see them with a magnifying glass. They are less shiny and more flattened out than live bed bug eggs. They will also be found in areas where bed bugs hide.
Bed Bug Eggs
Bed bug eggs are pearly white to shiny translucent in color. They will have a sticky film on them and are about a millimeter long. These eggs will be found where they hide and away from hiding places.
Bed Bug Nymphs
Baby bed bugs are smaller and lighter in color than adults and are called nymphs. They are clear until they feed and will then turn red in color. Nymphs can range in size from a poppy seed to about ¼” at maturity. Nymphs feed more frequently than adults so you may see them first.
Adult Bed Bugs
When a bed bug is full-grown, they are rusty-brown in color and very flat, that is until it is engorged with blood. They are ¼” in length and look a lot like an apple seed. They will become elongated and turn a dark purplish-red color as they feed and swell up. You will see them in the seams, piping and tufts of your mattress and box spring in the early stages of an infestation. As an infestation grows, they will spread out.
Bed Bug Smell
A bed bug infestation will give off a distinct musty smell. Some describe it as over-ripe raspberries. The odor will be more obvious with a heavier infestation. This distinctive scent allows bed bugs to sniff out their hiding spots.
Bed Bug Inspections, Control Treatment, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Bed bugs will not go away on their own. If you think you’re dealing with an infestation call A-Tex Pest Management right away! We will perform a thorough inspection and then begin a custom treatment plan.