Collaborative post by another author. Bed bugs are something no one wants to deal with, but if you live in a big city or even a smaller one, then there’s a chance that your home will get infected at some point. Bed bugs are extremely persistent and feast on human blood, but they don’t need much to survive. As a matter of fact, bed bugs can survive for as long as six months without food and can replicate very fast, which is why they’re so difficult to get rid of. This is also why you should know how to identify the signs early. Let’s take a look at a few signs that you may have bed bugs.

Itchy Red Bites All Over Your Body

One of the most common and clearest signs that you're dealing with a bed bug infestation is if you wake up with red bites all over your body. Bed bug bites are characterised by their small size and itchiness. The bite can also become inflamed, and the inflammation will get worse the more you scratch the bite, so avoid this. 

The tricky part here is that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites the same. Some people may not even have reactions at all. This is why you need to learn how to inspect for other signs as well. If you want to learn more about bed bug bites in general, we suggest you check out Patient.info. They educate you on not only what a bed bug bite should look like, but also the dangers that come with them. They run down what bed bugs actually are, some clear signs that you may have some, and some advice on how to get rid of them.

Strange Bite Patterns

If you want to know how to determine the difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites, the biggest difference is that bed bug bites will usually appear in a line. Mosquito bites will usually not have a specific pattern. So, if you have multiple bites running up your arms or legs, then it’s usually down to bed bugs.

Bedbug Droppings

Like with most pests, one of the best ways to identify if you have bed bugs is to look for droppings. These are usually pretty easy to spot. If you see any dark spots on the edges of a mattress, then this is usually a sign that it's infested. Bed bugs will leave faecal stains wherever they congregate, and this will often be on the edges of a mattress. You may also notice an unpleasant odour coming from the area. These stains may not be confined to your mattress either as bed bugs will often leave those kinds of stains on walls as well.

You Find Blood Stains on Your Sheets and Pillowcases

Bed bugs gorge themselves on blood and when someone accidentally or intentionally squashes them, the blood gets splashed. This often happens during the night while you're sleeping. If your sheets are peppered with blood and you have other symptoms, then you should assume that it’s bed bugs. You might also notice red spots on your skin or pyjamas. In both cases, it would be a good idea to call in an exterminator.

You Notice Strange Smells

Strange smells are another thing you should be on the lookout for. You will often notice a musty smell in areas with high bed bug concentrations. This is because bed bugs release pheromones and they have a very distinctive smell. This might not be the most obvious sign, but if you have other symptoms, then that could help confirm that you do have bugs. 

You Have Actually Seen Some

If you notice little brown bugs on your bed or yourself, then it's probably too late. Bed bugs never come alone and once you start seeing them, then it's usually a sign that the house is already infested. You will have no choice but to call in a pest control company to help curb the infestation or it will only get worse from now on. 

You See Bed Bug Shells

Bed bugs shed their outer shell from time to time and if you see small husky-like white specks on the floor or your mattress, watch out as this is what they may be. They'll often be mottled too. You might see bed bug shells on your bed sheets or along your headboard, but also under furniture and in between sofa cushions. This is why you need to conduct a thorough inspection of your house if you ever suspect there are bed bugs present.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to tell if you’re truly coming down with a bed bug infestation. This isn’t something you should take lightly as it could lead to various health issues, so check for signs of infestation constantly and call a professional immediately once it’s confirmed.