can’t find bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are excellent at hiding. These flaxseed-sized insects typically hide during the day and are only active at night to feed. They’re also adept at finding small cracks and crevices where they can nest. If you’ve woken up with red welts on your skin, it may be time to call in a professional pest control expert who can help you find these hidden invaders.
One early sign of a bed bug infestation is almost microscopic black spots that smear when wiped with a damp cloth, the way markers do. These marks are fecal excrement and may contain faint red dots of digested blood, too. You should carefully inspect every inch of your mattress and box spring, paying special attention to creases, corners and nooks.
Bed Bug Sleuth: Common Mistakes When Trying to Identify Bed Bug Infestations
Another sign is translucent shell casings, which resemble discarded insect skins. As nymphs progress through their five life-cycle stages, they shed their exoskeletons several times. These tan-colored shells are easy to miss, especially when they’re hidden in small cracks or crevices. Look for them in mattress seams, upholstered furniture and even in holes, cracks and crevices of wooden furniture, such as nightstands, dressers, or headboards.
You might also notice a musty, sweet smell as the bed bug infestation grows. This odor is a combination of the bugs’ pheromones and the rotting remains of their crushed bodies. It’s important to fully investigate your sleep environment when this odor develops since it can be caused by many other things as well.
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