Throughout the last decade, there have been a lot of changes throughout the world. You might be surprised to learn that bed bugs are one of the major changes that are affecting residents and homeowners everywhere. Due to the recent resurgence of these critters, people are hitting the Internet like crazy and doing research left and right. This is not a bad idea, because the Internet can be filled with a wealth of knowledge. It can also be filled with a lot of lies and misunderstandings. Residents and homeowners want to know how to tell if their home is infected with bed bugs and this is a very reasonable request. Bed bugs can be tricky and spotting an infestation can sometimes be tricky.
Below, you will learn some important information that will help you determine whether or not you are dealing with San Francisco bed bugs.
Checking For Physical Evidence
Bed bugs are very crafty when it comes to hiding. They will stay out of sight when you are awake and come out to feed when you are asleep. They will even hide in the smallest of places including inside a finishing nail hole. However, these bugs might be crafty, but they are unable to clean up after themselves. You best bet for discovering an infestation will be to look for the evidence that they leave behind.
If you are dealing with an infestation, you will want to check your mattress and box springs for eggshells, skins, fecal stains, and bloodstains. A bed bug shell will be clear, almost translucent in color and this is actually considered the exoskeleton. The bed bugs will shed their skin, as they grow bigger. Since bed bugs latch on and suck the blood out of human hosts, it is very possible that bloodstains will be left behind on sheeting and pillow casings.
As far as fecal matter is concerned, it will usually show up in a resemblance of a smear or stain, and it will be dark brown or black in color. Most people think that the fecal matter will resemble the color of blood, but this is a misconception because the blood changes color as it passes through the critter’s digestive system.
Why You Can’t Rely On Bites Alone
A lot of people think that the number one indicator of a bed bug infestation is bite marks. While bites marks sometimes do appear from bed bugs, there are a lot of insects that can feed on you while you are sleeping. The truth is that 70% of people that are bitten by bed bugs do not show any signs of bite marks.
If bites marks do show up, it can be very hard to determine for certain that it was caused by bed bugs. However, bed bugs bites usually show up as raised, red welts and are typically localized like a rash across parts of the body that might have been exposed when you were sleeping. These areas might be the neck, legs, or back. Once you’ve positively identified an infestation, you’ll want to call a professional exterminator. With their assistance, you’ll be able to conquer the problem quickly and conveniently.
