Signs of a Bed Bug Problem!
Bed bug infestations are on the rise in the
United States. These pesky little critters can be difficult to spot,
but they do leave behind some distinct trails, so check out these subtle
signs that indicate that you might have a bed bug problem.
1. People You Know Have Had Bed Bugs
Bed bug infestations can spread from house
to house, especially in apartment blocks where they don’t have to travel
far. There are now more people affected by bed bugs in the United
States than ever before – they were virtually unheard of just ten years
ago. Therefore, if you know someone who has had a bed bug problem, be
safe and check your home for intruders.
2. There Are Small, Itchy Bites on Your
Body
Bed bugs leave small, itchy, and inconsistent bites on their victim’s
body. Therefore, if you notice clusters of bites, especially if they’re
in straight lines of three, you need to check for bed bugs. This isn’t a
sure sign, though. Some people might not even show any signs of having
been bitten by bed bugs. This is why it’s important for people to
inspect for bed bugs on regular occasions.
3. You Frequently Stay in Hotel Rooms 
This is one of the primary ways that bed
bugs spread. If you’re staying in a hotel, you really should give the
room and bed a thorough survey before staying the night. If you notice
any signs of bed bugs, ask to be relocated to a different room. When
leaving, you should always examine your luggage too.
4. There Are Dark Stains on Your Sheets or Pillowcases
Since bed bugs are messy, they often leave behind small stains wherever
they’ve been. Any odd stains that appear on your sheets or pillowcases
should be inspected and not ignored.
5. You’ve Only Looked for Bed Bugs in Your Bed
Despite their name, bed bugs can thrive in
multiple locations outside of a bed. According to a 2015 survey carried
out by the National Pest Management Association, nearly all (99.6%) of
pest professionals nationwide have treated bed bugs in the last year,
and many of those cases didn’t involve beds at all. Therefore, if you’re
looking for bed bugs, you need to check the seams of chairs and
couches, drawer joints, and areas with loose wallpaper too.
6. There Are Skin Flakes on Your Bed or Clothing
Skin flakes from bed bugs are small, oval, and brown, and are one of the
major indicators of a bed bug infestation. If you find any of these
small casings around your house, you’ve got bed bugs. Don’t be
embarrassed though, as even the cleanest of homes can get infested with
these annoying little critters.
7. You Recently Bought Secondhand Furniture Without Washing It
Getting a great deal on furniture is
awesome, but secondhand furniture can bring unwanted pests such as bed
bugs into your house. Therefore, you should thoroughly inspect any
furniture that you’re thinking about bringing into your home.
8. There Are Brownish Red Stains on Your sheet That Smear When Wiped
As gross as it sounds, bed bugs can leave clusters of poop on sheets. If
you find small stains that smear when wiped with a wet rag, it could be
evidence of bed bug fecal matter. If you find this alongside mattress
seams or box spring edges, you could have yourself a bed bug problem.