How to know if you have bed bugs: complete guide | Factory Street

Having bed bugs can be a nightmare to deal with. These small insects are known to quickly invade homes and are often difficult to eliminate. To know if you are suffering from a bedbug infestation, there are several signs et symptoms monitor.

Visible signs of bedbugs

Stains on sheets and mattresses

Stains on sheets and mattresses are one of the first indicators of the presence of bed bugs. These stains can be of different types:

• Brown or black spots which are actually bed bug excrement. They look like blackheads and are often clustered in specific spots like the corners of the mattress.
• Red blood stains on the sheets. They usually appear after a bedbug is crushed while you sleep.

Body signs: burning and itching

Another fundamental sign is the appearance of bites. Bed bug bites appear as small red bumps on the skin, often grouped or lined up. They cause intense itching. Unlike other insect bites, bed bug bites often follow linear patterns.

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Physical evidence of infestation

Traces of eggs and translucent cocoons

Bed bug eggs are small, white, and difficult to see with the naked eye. They are often hidden in the folds of mattresses, behind bed frames or in dark, undisturbed corners. THE translucent cocoons they are the molts of young bedbugs, left behind when they grow up.

Exuvia: dead skin

Just like other insects, bed bugs go through different stages of development. As they grow, they molt, leaving behind empty shells or skins called undress. Then look for these discarded pieces of skin around the infested areas.

Unusual smells

A heavy bedbug infestation can give off an unpleasant odor. This comes from the pheromones emitted by bedbugs. A sweet and musky smell constantly present in your room can also indicate their presence.

Careful visual inspection

Use of light sources

A detailed visual inspection is required to detect bedbugs. Use a flashlight to meticulously examine every corner of your bed:

• Inspect the seams and creases of your mattress
• Examine the box spring and cracks in the bed frame
• Check behind the plinthselectrical sockets and surrounding objects such as bedside tables or chests of drawers

Traps and detectors

Using bed bug detectors

THE bed bug detectors they are valuable tools for identifying an infestation. You can place these devices under the legs of the bed or in suspicious areas. They trap bedbugs using body heat or chemical attractants.

Active detection techniques

For a more proactive approach, use techniques likefrequent suction of your sleeping space and the wash bedding at high temperature. These methods do not guarantee complete eradication but can help temporarily reduce bed bug populations.

Behavior of bedbugs

Nighttime activity

Bedbugs are predominantly nocturnal. Their activity peaks at night while you sleep. Therefore, if you notice any more intense burning or itching upon wakingthis can be a strong signal.

Preferred habitat

These insects prefer places dark and warm near their food source. In addition to mattresses and box springs, they can also hide in the cracks of headboards, behind peeling wallpaper or in the cracks of upholstered furniture.

Dangers related to their presence

Although bed bugs do not transmit serious diseases, their bites can cause several allergic reactions and cause secondary infections due to persistent scratching.