Signs Of Bed Bugs: How To Identify An Infestation Of Bed Bugs

Chances are, you or someone you know has encountered bed bugs while on vacation, or worse, at home. Unfortunately, bed bug infestations are more common than you think and rather than be embarrassed by it, understand it has absolutely nothing to do with how clean your home is, but more about what is introduced into it. You see, most bed bug infestations occur when these biting pests are introduced on suitcases, used mattresses, secondhand furniture, or even on people.

How they got there is not as important as how to tell if you have a bed bug problem and what to do if these pests have taken over. In this article, we’ll identify the signs of bed bugs, where to look for them, and what to do if you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home.

adult bed bugs, nymphs, bed bug eggs on mattress

What are the signs of bed bugs?

Bed bug bites
One of the first signs people notice is red, itchy bite marks. Bed bug bites are often arranged in a line or cluster and can be found on arms, legs, and other exposed skin.
Live bugs, nymphs & bed bug eggs
More telling than even bed bug bites which can be confused for flea bites or other insect bites, finding live bugs crawling along your mattress seams, resting on your headboard, or infesting other furniture in your room provides easy confirmation of a bed bug problem. You might also see bed bug nymphs (smaller versions of adult bed bugs), and bed bug eggs that are quite tiny, and pearl-white in color.
Blood stains
These nocturnal feeders leave behind bloodstains on sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses, resulting from engorged bugs being crushed while feeding.
Bed bug feces
Look for tiny, rust-colored fecal spots on sheets, mattresses, or nearby furniture. These dark spots are a good indication of bed bug activity.
Shed bed bug skins
As bed bugs progress through their life cycle, they shed their exoskeletons. Look for tiny, translucent shells in areas they frequent.
Musty odor

In the case of significant infestations, property owners may detect a musty odor. If you notice an unpleasant, sweet smell in your space, there’s a good chance you’ll notice the more obvious bed bug signs noted above.

Where to look for bed bugs?

If you suspect these biting pests stowed away in your suitcase while on vacation, were introduced on used furniture, or tagged along with your houseguests but aren’t quite sure, grab a flashlight and check the following areas:

Seams, folds, and any crevices on and around mattresses and box springs
Pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers
In and around bedside tables, chairs, and other furniture near the bed
Cracks and crevices along walls, baseboards, and wallpaper
Behind electrical outlets, wall hangings, curtains, and even inside electronics

What to do if you discover bed bugs in your home

At the first sign of a bed bug problem, contact a pest control company that specializes in bed bug control. These biting pests will not go away on their own and are more likely to spread to other parts of your home or even a neighboring unit. And if you’re thinking about grabbing a DIY bed bug treatment from the store, we say save your money and energy. Bed bugs have developed a resistance to certain chemicals and most over-the-counter products end in failure.

Contact Greenway Pest for bed bug control in Albuquerque, Las Cruces & beyond

Whether you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home or know for sure you’re dealing with these pests and want them gone, contact Greenway Pest Solutions for help. We offer effective bed bug control services in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and all the way to the El Paso, TX border.

When you reach out for help getting rid of bed bugs, we’ll start by performing a thorough bed bug inspection. If we find evidence of an infestation, we’ll provide a quote, explain how to prepare for your treatment, and then schedule your bed bug treatment!

How Greenway Pest Solutions eliminate bed bugs

In order to exterminate adult bed bugs, nymphs, and bed bug eggs, our local pest control specialists use a combination of bed bug treatment methods including:

Physical removal
Steam treatments
Conventional product

We’ll also install mattress encasements and other bed bug monitors and return within two-weeks to make sure the entire population has been exterminated!

At the first sign of a bed bug problem, call Greenway!

If you’d like more information about our bed bug treatments or if you want to schedule a bed bug inspection, simply give us a call and one of our friendly customer service representatives would be happy to set up an appointment. You can also complete the form below and we’ll reach out!

Get Started Today!