Although bed bugs don`t actually transmit any infectious diseases, they can still be a nuisance and even cause some health problems. From physical reactions, like rash or allergy, to psychological effects, like anxiety, stress, and insomnia — these reasons are more than enough to make beg bugs unwelcome guests in your home.
Bright Side wants to help you find the bed bug infestation before it spreads, which will be easier to treat. Here are some signs you should be on the lookout for!
1. Itchy red spots
If you have skin irritation or if you notice small red itchy welts on your face, arms, legs, chest, or back, that is one sign that you have bed bugs. Those are the bites that can later become inflamed, and scratching them can lead to bleeding and infection.
To make sure that you have bed bugs and not any other kind of insects, look at the pattern of the bites. They often occur in clusters, straight rows, and zig-zag lines. However, some people might not have any physical reaction to bed bugs, so they won`t have red spots or itchiness.
2. Blood or rusty-colored stains
Check for red spots on your bed or clothes. If you squash a bug while or after it feeds, it will leave a blood stain. You might also find rusty-colored spots. Those are the bed bugs` fecal matter.
You can find this on your bed sheets, as well as in places that are harder to reach, like mattress seams, box springs, and wooden framing. Also check your walls and under the wallpaper, as bed bugs can leave fecal matter there too.
3. Musty odor
Bed bugs have scent glands that release pheromones, and if there`s a lot of them, the scent can be quite strong and unpleasant. So if your room smells like moldy clothes or spoiled food, you definitely have a cause for concern.
4. Bed bug shells
Bed bugs shed their skin when they grow, so look for light-colored husks in the shape of a bug. Inspect your bed pillows, the seams of your mattress, chairs, and couches, and between the cushions. Also make sure to check your drawers and clothes.
5. White spots on your furniture
If you see white spots on your furniture, those might be the bed bugs` eggs or eggshells. They are shaped like rice grains, and they have a translucent or white color that is sometimes shiny.
It`s possible to see them with the naked eye. But it would certainly be better to inspect your room with a flashlight and a magnifying glass, since those eggs are often laid in the joints and seams of your mattress and furniture.
Have you ever had to deal with bed bugs? How did you notice them? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Illustrated by Igor Polushin for Bright Side
