Bed bugs are parasitic insect that feed only on blood. The bed bug is famous because it prefers to dine on human blood. The name bed bug comes from their preferred habitat in house especially near or inside beds and other sleeping areas. Bed bugs are not nocturnal, but do most of their activity at night. They usually feed on their hosts without them even knowing.

Bed bug bites can be seen as red and itchy bumps on the skin. It can also result in skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic effects. Bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease or pathogens. The best sign of bed bugs is spotting an adult bug. The insect has had a relationship with humans for thousands of years. Over the last century they have become more prominent due to their resistance to chemicals, government control of pesticides and international travel.

Feces and Fecal Stains

Just like most living things, bed bugs defecate after feeding. So, after snacking on a host’s blood they will leave signs of fecal matter in the area. Bed bug feces resemble dark stains that look like black felt tip marker stains. Stain often bleed into the fabric. These markings can be found in the bed, on your pillow and mattress. Droppings can also be found around harborages where bed bugs are hiding when they’re not busy feeding.

Blood Smears and Stains

Blood spots may appear on your sheets or mattress. This comes from the bed bugs being crushed while feeding. This is a result of the host rolling onto the bed bug during the night. Although these stains are mostly found on bedding you might also spot blood on your pajamas and pillowcases. However, this isn’t a guarantee that you have any sort of bed bug infestation. Determining any issues takes a collection of clues.

Shed/Cast Bed Bug Skins

Baby bed bugs shed their skins as they approach adulthood. They will shed their skin up to five times before reaching maturity at each developmental stage. The shells and casing looking like a larger and more transparent bed bug. But, it’s not moving. It looks like a shell. A large collection of shells are most likely to be found around a bed bug harborage or their nest like home.

Eggshells

Empty egg shells are a certain sign of a growing bed bug population. They’re about 1mm in length, but you can definitely see them with your naked eye. They look like dried out casings and are somewhat flattened. Egg shells will be found in places where bed bugs hide especially in rough surfaces like fabric or wood.  

Identifying a bed bug

Bed bugs have small, flat and oval shaped bodies. They have six legs and two antennae. Bed bugs have golden coloured hair that make their bodies looked striped. Before eating bed bugs are approximately 5-6mm in length, but after feeding they can swell up to 10mm and get darker.  

Preventing bed bugs

• • • Inspect strange beds like in hotels.
    • Understand how bed bugs can get into your home.
    • Check luggage while unpacking from a trip.
    • Clean all your clothes after vacation.
    • Take care of furniture that your bring into your home.

Bed bug removal Hamilton.

Bed bug infestation can be almost impossible to get rid of. They’re small and do a lot of their activity in the dark. So, they can be hard to spot. If you discover any hints of bed bugs make sure to contact Truly Nolen Pest Control.