8 Warning Signs To Call A Professional Bed Bug Exterminator

If you know bed bugs well enough, you will probably not want to ever encounter them. They can make life hell for homeowners because they are tough to detect and tougher to get rid of. They can literally take away your sleep, which is the reason why you should deal with them sooner rather than later. How do you know that you have bed bugs? Would you simply find them creeping on your bed? Would an infestation always come with a warning? 

The bad news is that the danger may be hidden and there is always a possibility of a sudden revelation. However, there is also some good news! You can avoid being taken by a surprise if you are vigilant about certain signs and symptoms. And if you do notice them, you should look for professional extermination services rather than try dealing with these pests yourself. Here are some warning signs which indicate that you should call a professional bed bug exterminator right now.

Sign #1: Live bug sightings

You don’t need a bigger proof of bed bugs in your home if you see some around. Exterminators say that a live bug sighting is often uncommon because these tiny pests are good at hiding. Most of the times, they come out when you are asleep. But if you spot one on your mattress or the corner of a sofa, it is a major warning that you should take seriously. An adult bug is just as big as an apple seed and reddish brown in color. If you see a suspicious bug, report it to a professional exterminator at the earliest. 

Sign #2: Spotting insect eggs 

You may not see live bugs in your living space but what if you find insect eggs? This is an equally important warning sign that you should not miss. When it comes to recognizing the eggs of bed bugs, you can check if they are white and oblong and lay in clusters. You are most likely to find them hidden along the seam piping on mattresses and in spring crevasses. Though they may be difficult to detect, you can still find them if watchful enough. Don’t even ignore a minor suspicion as you can save yourself major trouble by calling an exterminator before things get worse. 

Sign #3: Unusual odor in the bedroom

The presence of bed bugs is often indicated by a strange odor in the bedroom or any room that they infest. They release a pheromone which is detectable by humans. Also, their discarded shells give off an unusual odor as they grow in size. The odor is musty and resembles the smell of rotting berries. Although the smell may be unnoticed when they are fewer in number, it may become prominent as their population grows. If you notice an unusual smell in your bedroom, take it as a sign you should not ignore.

Sign #4: Red, itchy bites 

Beyond the sights and smells, you should also be vigilant about bites appearing on your skin. If you see red, itchy bites on your skin and there are no visible mosquitoes or insects that could be responsible, it could be an indication of bed bugs. Even though bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, Jordan Larson from Custom Bed Bug explains that they are still a health hazard in other ways, such as causing allergies, sleep deprivation, and respiratory issues. So you should pay heed to itchy bites if you want to prevent major health problems in the long run. 

Sign #5: Blood stains on bedding or clothing 

Another sign which indicates that you should opt for professional bed bug extermination is blood stains on your bedding or clothes. Essentially, bed bugs feed on human blood which they suck by biting sleeping hosts. If you wake up with unexplained insect bites, do check for dried blood on the bed linens and your clothes. There may be some on the mattress surface too. Check thoroughly and report them to an exterminator because they could indicate an infestation. 

Sign #6: Fecal matter

Blood stains are not the only warning sign that you may find on your bed linen and mattress. You may also find their fecal matter, which is recognized as tiny droppings that are dark brown in color. They are most likely to be seen in hard to reach places on the box spring or mattress. If you suspect fecal matter and want to confirm your doubt, run a damp cloth over them. They usually turn reddish brown in color when wet. Besides checking your bed, look for fecal matter on the surrounding furniture, curtains and carpet edges too.

Sign #7: Molted shells

Another indication that you cannot ignore is the presence of molted shells in and around your bed and furniture. Typically, a bed bug shed its exoskeleton across the stages of its maturity. These shells can be found in large numbers at places where there is a likely infestation. And finding them is a major warning that indicates a definite presence of bed bugs. If you find a few molted shells anywhere in your living space, it is time to call an exterminator immediately.

Sign #8: Bugs in your closet

The biggest myth about bed bugs is that you will find them only in your bed. But this is only a misconception because they can live anywhere, behind the curtains, under the mattress, in your living room sofa and even in the closets and cabinets. You should keep checking these places on a regular basis as a precaution. If you find live or dead bugs there, connect with a professional extermination service for a thorough cleanup of your living space.

Bed bugs are more common than ever because you may carry them from anywhere, a hotel room, a friend’s place or even your workplace. So it is better to be vigilant and address the problem before it becomes a major issue. The best way to do it is by getting professional services that can help you get rid of these pesky intruders once and for all.