How to spot the signs of bed bugs

22 March 2023

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Bed bug infestation? Call Acorn Environment Services Ltd

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Bed bug

When it comes to identifying the signs of a bed bug infestation, these sneaky critters don’t make it too difficult a task as there are a handful of tell-tale characteristics that give their presence away.

So, what are these signs of bed bugs, and what can be done to deal with bed bugs once they’ve been identified?

If you suspect bed bugs in your home or business, it’s best that you act early before they reproduce to unmanageable numbers. Speak to Acorn about our bed bug control services for a FREE quote if you suspect you have a bed bug infestation.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are reddish-brown, flightless insects that feed on human blood. They are commonly found in bedding, furniture, and other areas where people sleep or spend prolonged periods of time.

They are small creatures, even when fully grown, only ever reaching about 7mm in length with an oval-like shape.

The presence of bed bugs can cause physical symptoms like itchy bites and rashes, as well as a host of emotional symptoms including a feeling of restlessness, anxiety and insomnia.

This is why it’s important to identify and deal with the presence of bed bugs as soon as possible, as a larger infestation of bed bugs can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Bed bug

So, what are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

You may spot the first sign of bed bugs on your own body before you spot them anywhere else. The bite marks they leave after feeding on an unsuspecting host often come up as raised and itchy, usually on exposed parts of the body such as the face, neck, and arms. These bites tend to clear up in a week or so and can be treated with a clean, damp cloth to reduce itching.

Outside of bites on the skin, there are some other tell-tale signs of bedbugs that you should keep your eye open for

1. Stains and spots on your bedding

If you find small spots of blood dotted around on your bedding, this could be the aftermath of a bed bug bite or even the squashed remains of a bed bug itself.

If the small spots are brown, this may be bed bug poo, and if they are pearly white and oval-shaped you may be looking at bed bug eggs…

Either way, not anything you want to be rolling around in for eight hours a night, and more signs of a probable bed bug infestation.

2. Live bed bugs and shells/exoskeletons

So we know bed bugs leave behind tell tale signs, but can you actually see bed bugs? Although small, the number one sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of live bed bugs themselves. Bed bugs find cosy spots in your home to live and breed in, including:

  • Mattresses and bed frames
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Rugs and carpets
  • Between curtain folds

What should I do if I find a bed bug?

There are several steps you can take to avoid bed bugs or eradicate their presence before calling a professional pest control team, such as:

  • Reduce clutter and therefore the number of places that could bed bugs could hide in
  • Regularly vacuum the carpets, bedding, and upholstery in the target room
  • Wash and dry your clothes, bedding, and curtains at high temperatures (50+ degrees) to kill eggs and bed bugs dead.

If you have a bed bug infestation that is beyond your control, then get in touch with Acorn for a FREE quote on our pest control services. Our professional, North West-based team are experts in our field, and have the training, knowledge, and skills to eradicate your bed bug problem and stop it from recurring. Call a bed bug exterminator on 0161 483 7112

Bed Bug FAQs

Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?

Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. As fully grown adults, they are brown and oval-shaped, not much smaller than an apple seed. You may struggle to see younger bed bugs and eggs as they are smaller and lighter in colour.

What is the main cause for bed bugs?

Bed bugs are typically associated with dirtiness and lack of hygiene, but the reality is that bed bugs go wherever there is a nice warm body to suck blood from and a cosy place to live. Bed bugs usually get into your home from other infested areas or items, including luggage, bags, folded clothes, bedding and upholstered furniture.
0161 483 7112

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