Dealing with bed bugs is the worst nightmare you can have in your home. These pests can cause you both physical and mental scars. They may force you to abandon your home, get rid of your belongings and cause severe psychological torture or mental breakdown leading to isolation. 

All these are consequences of not dealing with the infestation during the early stages. But the good news is that knowing some of the early signs of bed bug infestation can help you prevent further risks. 

Small, Red, and Itchy Bumps or Marks on Your Skin

Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that feed on blood, especially when sleeping. So, if you wake up and realize some itchy or red bumps and flat bites on your body (arms, hands, or legs), then you may have bed bugs in your home. 

While the bites do not transmit diseases, you may, however, experience allergic reactions, severe itchiness and irritation that, if you scratch, would cause bleeding and later infections. Of course, bites alone are not enough to diagnose an infestation. Avoid any of these by hiring a professional bed bug Nashville exterminator to keep your home pest-free.  

Unfamiliar and Distinctive or Musty Odor

Bed bugs release pheromones with a strong, musty and nasty smell. The scent will be intense when there is a severe infestation. Offensive odors in your clothes or bedroom that aren’t originating from obvious sources like dirty laundry or stale sheets may be an early sign of infestation. 

Blood Stains on the Sheets, Bed, and Mattress

It’s common to see bloodstains on your sheets, pillows and mattress when you have bed bugs. This happens when you sleep and unconsciously crush or squash a bug, especially when you’re restless from the bites. 

Also, some bloodstains on your skin and the edges of your bed should be enough indication that your home is infested.  

Bed Bug Eggs and Egg Shell

Female bed bugs lay approximately 1-7 eggs a day which hatches in 7-10 days. Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard to identify the eggs as they’re laid on their hideouts. But if you come across pinhead-sized, white ovals of around 1 mm in length that is loosely stuck in your bed or any surfaces, then start looking for their origin. And often, this is a clear sign of a bed bug infestation. 

Also, when you notice some eggshells that are white and husk-like specks around your house, that too indicates you have bed bugs. In fact, eggshell signifies growth and reproduction, meaning you should expect a severe infestation. 

Fecal Spots or Stains

Like other living organisms, bed bugs also defecate, leaving some dark and rusty spots with a foul smell. The spots may look like a cross as they follow the weave of the material.  If you have such stains on your mattress, bed, or just anywhere in between, the likely reason would be bed bugs. 

Live Young or Adult Bed Bugs

Now finding a live bed bug is the most obvious sign and a confirmation that your house is under attack. So, suppose you see small, brown, or reddish insects with flat bodies. In that case, you need professional assistance as soon as possible. 

The complete knowledge of the signs of bed bug infestation can only take you far. So, the only way to be safe is to contact our Pest Control Nashville professionals on time for complete extermination.