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EcoGuard Pest Management
Signs of bed bug infestation on mattress
By Gary Anderson||4 min read

Signs of Bed Bugs

Learn to identify a bed bug infestation before it grows.

The best way to determine a possible bed bug infestation is to look for physical signs of bed bugs or bed bug activity. Finding an infestation early is easier and less expensive to treat.

Active bed bug populations - Live bugs visible in hiding spots
Red stains on mattresses or sheets - From crushed bugs or bites
Small black spots - Bug excrement that bleeds like a marker
Bites or crawling feeling - After laying in bed or sleeping
Eggshells or shed skin - Found in bed and hiding areas
Foul musty odor - From bed bug scent glands

How to Spot a Bed Bug

Bed bugs are small brownish, oval insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Before feeding, adults have flat bodies slightly smaller than a watermelon seed. After feeding, they grow in size and turn red.

Identifying Features

  • Small wings but cannot fly
  • Flat before feeding, swollen after
  • Nymphs are pale in color
  • Turn red after feeding
  • 6 legs and 2 antennae
  • Narrow head, wide body

Life Cycle Facts

  • Eggs are speck-of-dust size
  • Females lay hundreds of eggs
  • Nymphs shed 5 times before maturity
  • Can develop in as fast as 1 month
  • Produce 3+ generations per year

Where Bed Bugs Hide

Bed bugs can go a long time without feeding and hide just about anywhere, making them very hard to exterminate. They are mostly found within 8-15 feet of their food source. Since they are as thin as a credit card, they slip into any crack or crevice.

Mattress seams and creases
Box spring folds and canvas
Bed frame cracks and joints
Open screw holes
Electrical appliances
Inside books
Carpet edges
Electrical outlets
Closets and clothing
Behind baseboards

Think You Have Bed Bugs?

Professional inspection confirms infestation and identifies all hiding spots.

Call (866) 326-2847

When Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs are most active at night and bite when people are sleeping. They pierce the skin with an elongated beak and withdraw blood for 3-10 minutes until full. Bites are painless at first but become itchy welts later.

Bite Characteristics

  • Small itchy red bumps
  • Appear mysteriously at night
  • Common on arms, hands, legs
  • Often in clusters of 3-4
  • No red spot in center (unlike fleas)

Important Notes

  • Bites alone cannot confirm bed bugs
  • Look similar to mosquito or flea bites
  • 30% of people show no skin reaction
  • Bed bugs do not carry diseases
  • Some people are allergic to saliva

Warning: If you experience flu-like symptoms after being bitten, seek medical attention immediately as you may be allergic to bed bug saliva.

Bed Bug Behavior and Habits

Feeding

  • Feed on humans and other mammals
  • Travel 5-20 feet from hiding to feed
  • Can feed at night and during day
  • Feeding lasts 3-12 minutes

Living Conditions

  • Survive temps down to 45°F (7°C)
  • Cannot survive above 113°F (45°C)
  • Found anywhere their host lives
  • Tropical species in warm climates only

Bed Bug Treatment Steps

Wash Everything

Clean bedding, curtains, linens, clothing in hot water. Dry on highest setting for at least 30 minutes.

Scrub Mattress

Use hard bristle brush on mattress seams before vacuuming to dislodge bugs and eggs.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum bed and surrounding area frequently. Throw away vacuum bag immediately in sealed plastic.

Remove Clutter

Get rid of clutter and messes around bed to eliminate hiding spots.

Seal Cracks

Repair cracks in walls and glue down any peeling wallpaper.

Use Encasements

Encase mattress and box spring with covered zipper. Keep on for at least 1 year (bed bugs can survive that long without feeding).

Call EcoGuard Bed Bug Exterminators Today!

Bed bugs are hard to get rid of and usually require a strategic approach with different methods. Contact a trained professional who can help fix the issue and alleviate any stress. EcoGuard Pest Management has the experience and knowledge to eliminate all signs of bed bug activity as soon as possible.

Call (866) 326-2847Get Free Quote

FAQs

What are the first signs of bed bugs?

Early signs of bed bugs include blood stains on bedding, itchy welts on your skin, and bed bug fecal spots (small dark stains that bleed like marker ink) on mattresses and sheets.

Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?

Yes, adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. They are brown and about the size of an apple seed when full grown and fed. However, they are nocturnal and excellent at hiding, so you may not notice them right away.

Can you feel bed bugs crawling?

Yes, bed bugs are large and fast enough to feel crawling on your skin. This is especially true when you are resting comfortably in bed.

What do bed bugs hate?

Essential oils like mint, cinnamon, basil, and citrus may deter bed bugs. However, nothing is a guaranteed prevention strategy, and ongoing regular inspection and professional treatment is recommended.

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