Signs of Bedbugs in the Home
By molly atherton
8 months ago
Welcome to the covert world of bedbugs, the tiny ninjas of the insect realm. These stealthy critters are the uninvited guests that turn a peaceful night's sleep into a suspenseful mystery. As homeowners, we often overlook their subtle clues until our skin starts to resemble a connect-the-dots puzzle. But fear not! In this exposé, we'll uncover the telltale signs these elusive creatures leave behind in their covert quest for blood.
1. Dark spots on sheets
Those seemingly innocuous small dark spots scattered across your sheets might just be the alarm bells for an unwelcome guest in your home: bed bugs. These little dots, resembling ink stains on your linens, are, in fact, the telltale excrement of these pesky critters.
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Small dark spots on sheets are a common sign of bed bugs in the home. These dots are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would. As soon as you spot them, you’ll need to start tackling a possible infestation straight away – the longer you leave it, the more widespread the infestation becomes.Original content sourced from Femanin.com2. Red spots on sheets
Have you woken up to a mysterious trail of marks on your bed sheets, almost like a cryptic message left by unseen visitors? If so, you might want to play detective and keep a vigilant eye on this peculiar phenomenon. Those rusty or reddish stains that appear on your bed sheets or mattresses could be more than just accidental spills or morning mishaps.
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Have you got unexplained marks on your bed sheets? If so, you might want to keep tabs on this. Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses can be caused by bed bugs being crushed, so examine these stains carefully. Seek advice from pest control if you need to.3. Teeny tiny eggs
Have you ever stumbled upon a perplexing discovery of minuscule white or yellowish pearls nestled within the folds of your bed? If so, consider it the bugle call for immediate action! These tiny, almost imperceptible eggs, measuring a mere 1mm in size, might seem innocuous at first glance.
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Have you ever come across tiny white, yellowish eggs in your bed? If so, you need to leap into action straight away and call pest control. These are bedbug eggs, which are tiny (about 1mm) and have pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.4. Weird dots in the seams, piping and tags of your mattress
In the covert world of bed bugs, their hide-and-seek game rivals that of the most seasoned espionage agents. When these blood-thirsty critters aren't indulging in their nocturnal feasts, they morph into masters of concealment, lurking in an array of unsuspected nooks and crannies.
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When they’re not feeding, bed bugs hide in a variety of places. Around the bed, they can typically be found hiding near the piping, seams and tags of your mattress, as well as the bed frame. They can also hide in cracks in a bed frame, so be sure to check all of these places carefully.5. Small dots near electrical outlets
Prepare to widen your scope of suspicion, for the realm of bed bug hideouts extends far beyond the confines of mattresses and bed frames. In a surprising twist, these stealthy pests have mastered the art of unconventional hideaways, choosing spots that often escape the scrutiny of even the most vigilant homeowners.
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This might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to bed bug hiding places, but a lot of them can lurk near electrical outlets in your home – including plug sockets. As bed bugs are only about the width of a credit card, they can squeeze into really tiny hiding places. If a crack will hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug!6. Blobs along your window frames
Imagine waking up to a sight that shatters your sense of sanctuary: a window frame infiltrated, not by the expected peaceful rays of sunlight, but by an unexpected and unwelcome infestation. This invasion, often mistaken for the handiwork of carpet beetles, is more commonly orchestrated by the notorious bed bugs.
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If you end up having your window frame invaded like the one above, you’ll need to call pest control asap. While these bugs can sometimes end up being carpet beetles, they’re usually bed bugs, and they can be an absolute pain the get rid of over time.7. Dots on your skirting boards
In the covert conquest for the perfect hideout, bed bugs display a remarkable knack for seeking refuge in the most unexpected corners of your home. Picture this: your skirting boards, those unassuming strips of wood lining the base of your walls, become an unsuspected harbor for these persistent pests.
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Bed bugs get settled in the weirdest of places. If they find some tiny cracks in your home, like those in your skirting boards, they can end up breeding there if the issue isn’t dealt with. Look out for tiny black dots on your skirting boards – while some think this is a sign of mold, it could indicate that you’ve got a bed bug infestation going on.8. White and black blobs on wood and cardboard
The misconception that bed bugs exclusively cozy up in older homes is just the tip of the iceberg in the fascinating yet alarming world of these persistent pests. Contrary to popular belief, these tiny troublemakers don't discriminate between old and new...
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Bed bugs are commonly associated with old homes, but it turns out that they love new builds too. Tons of construction workers have had to deal with bed bugs finding their way into wood and cardboard, which might require heat treatments or active traps. If it’s a severe infestation, repeated treatments might be required.9. Small, itchy bites on your skin
Have you been waking up to a perplexing array of itchy, unexplained bites on your body? It's like playing a game of detective with your skin as the canvas for an enigmatic pattern. If you find yourself scratching at these mysterious welts, suspect not a supernatural force, but the possible presence of bed bugs.
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Are you finding unexplained itchy bites on your body? If so, you might have bed bugs. Keep tabs on whether you’re getting these bites during the night and where they’re appearing. Bed bugs usually go for arms or shoulders, and often leave clusters of bites rather than single bites here and there.10. Small blood spots on sheets
While the telltale signs of bed bugs often manifest as itchy welts or clusters of bites, there exists a clandestine chapter in the bed bug saga—a silent act that doesn't necessarily provoke an itchy outcry. Picture this: while some unfortunate souls bear the uncomfortable evidence of bed bug feasting on their skin, others remain oblivious to these bites.
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Some people don’t actually get bites or itching from bed bugs, but can notice tiny blood spots appearing on their bed sheets. This can happen after bed bugs have nibbled on you during the night. If you notice these signs, get in touch with a professional straight away.11. A sweet, musty odor
In the clandestine world of bed bug infestations, the signs aren't always just skin-deep. While visual cues often take center stage in the detection process, there exists an olfactory secret, a silent alarm of sorts, alerting homeowners to the presence of these stealthy intruders.
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While a lot of bed bugs signs can be easily detected by eye, you might also notice a strange smell in your home. If you find that you can detect a sweet, musty odor, especially around your bed, you might need to call pest control asap. This is a classic sign of bed bug infestation.12. White, oval eggs
In the stealthy world of bed bugs, their offspring are the hidden gems that perpetuate their reign within your home. These tiny, yet remarkably distinctive, bed bug eggs are the architects of a potential infestation, quietly awaiting their hatching moment to continue the cycle of discomfort.
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Bed bug eggs are pretty distinctive. They are white and oval, and are usually around the size of an apple seed. Keep an eye out for them in your bed and around the house in places like drawers and cupboards, as this seems to be where bed bugs like to lay their eggs.13. Weird spots in the seams of cushions and chairs
When it comes to bed bugs, their taste for comfort extends beyond the confines of just beds. They're the uninvited guests that clandestinely infiltrate your cozy cushions, chairs, and plush couches, turning your favorite lounging spots into potential hotspots for their covert operations.
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It’s not just beds that are favored by bed bugs – it’s cushions, chairs and couches too. They can be spotted in the seams or lining of your home furnishings, so it’s important to check these areas if you’re carrying out an extermination. Call pest control if you need any help.14. Spots on your curtains
The world of bed bugs isn't limited to the expected confines of beds and furnishings. These tiny infiltrators possess a knack for seeking refuge in the most unexpected places, turning even your curtains into covert hiding spots for their sneaky operations.
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The list of bed bug hiding places is pretty extensive. Not only can you find them in your cushions, but you can also find them in the folds of your curtains too. Be sure to wash your curtains thoroughly with hot water, and then put the curtains in the dryer. This should kill the bugs.15. Shell casings
In the enthralling yet eerie life cycle of bed bugs, their growth unfolds much like a suspenseful drama, characterized by a series of molts that mark their transition from nymph to adulthood. Like many other members of the insect kingdom, bed bugs sport their skeleton on the outside.
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Like many other insects, bed bugs have their skeletons on the outside of their body (also known as an exoskeleton). They shed this skeleton as the bug matures and outgrows it. This means they leave behind a ton of shell cases during the course of their lives, which you might be able to spot around your home.16. Your house smells like wet or mouldy laundry
Amidst the creeping discomfort of a severe bed bug infestation, a peculiar aroma stealthily permeates the air of your once-comfortable abode. Picture this: a strange scent, reminiscent of damp or musty laundry, begins to linger, intensifying as the infestation escalates.
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If you have a severe infestation in your home, you’ll notice a strange smell, a bit like wet or moldy laundry. It’s important to get in touch with pest control asap, as you’ll need expert help to get rid of the bed bugs that have multiplied in your home (especially because they can live for months without feeding!).17. Live bed bugs
Amidst the puzzling mysteries of a potential bed bug invasion, the most direct evidence often lies in the form of the culprits themselves—live bed bugs. These tiny yet discernible creatures aren't mere figments of imagination but tangible indicators of a potential infestation lurking within the sanctity of your home.
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The most obvious sign in your home is, well, actual live bed bugs. They are flat, oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown with a large abdomen, six legs and a short antennae. Bed bugs are sometimes mistaken for baby cockroaches and spider beetles, so if you have concerns, seek the help of a professional.18. Dots on your door frames
In the covert realm of bed bug hideouts, the unsuspecting door frames become a battleground for these stealthy invaders. As homeowners, we often overlook these seemingly innocuous structures, unaware that they harbor a potential hotspot for bed bug activity.
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Have you noticed any weird spots or dots on your door frames? If so, it might be a sign of bad bed bug infestation. Bed bugs really like hiding in the small cracks around door frames, and tend to seek higher shelter when there are already other bed bugs lurking in your bed or mattress.19. Strange stains on your rug
In the secret world of bed bug hideouts, the soft comfort of rugs becomes an unsuspecting haven for these persistent invaders. Beyond the usual suspects of beds and furnishings, these floor coverings serve as yet another battleground where bed bugs quietly orchestrate their stealthy missions.
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Bed bugs also like to hide in rugs, which is an area that exterminators will thoroughly inspect if they’re dealing with an infestation. They will use a range of insecticides that are designed to kill the bugs on contact and get rid of those that are lurking in your home furnishings.20. Spots on your bookshelves
In the cryptic world of bed bug hideouts, the love for lurking extends beyond the expected confines of beds and furnishings. They've mastered the art of covert inhabitation, finding refuge even amidst the treasured tomes and pages of your books.
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The list of bed bug hiding places is endless. They love lurking in the corners of bookshelves, and can even move inside books and newspapers. Anywhere that helps them get closer to humans! To inspect your books for bed bugs, lay the book against a white sheet or bathtub and check for black spots on the fore-edge. Keep a vacuum nearby for bed bugs that try to escape and plastic bags handy for infested books.21. Splodges on your electronic devices
In the intricate world of bed bug conquests, their insidious infiltration extends beyond the realms of fabrics and furnishings; it reaches the very heart of our modern lives—electronic devices. Yes, these persistent pests harbor a fondness for cozying up inside gadgets like laptops and phones.
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Yep – bed bugs can even get into your electronic devices. These pests like to make a home inside devices like laptops and phones, which means they can be inches away from you at any given time. A magnifying glass can help you inspect for bed bugs, but any DIY removal solutions could put your electronics at risk. Speak to a professional who will remove them for you.22. Dots on your shoes
Amidst the varied collection of footwear that grace our closets, there exists a haven for bed bugs that often goes unnoticed—the seldom-worn shoes that linger in the corners, reserved for special occasions or different seasons. These infrequently disturbed treasures become prime hiding spots.
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Many of us will have shoes that we rarely wear - whether they’re for special occasions or different seasons. These shoes are perfect for bed bugs, as they won’t often get disturbed. They can hide under soles and between fabrics, as well as in zippers and under laces. If you find bugs in your shoes, put them in a plastic bag or container straight away.23. Spots on your luggage
Emerging from a stay in a hotel or temporary accommodation with an unwanted souvenir—bed bugs—can turn your travel experience into a lingering nightmare. These pesky hitchhikers take advantage of your luggage, seeking a new home within the folds and crevices of your suitcase, zippers, and seams.
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If you had to deal with bed bugs while staying in a hotel or other accommodation, it’s really important to disinfect all your luggage. They will try and find a new home in or on your suitcase, and can be spotted in the crevices of seams and zippers. Wash all your clothes and items thoroughly with hot water to kill them.24. Spots and dots in screw holes
When it comes to the elusive hiding spots of bed bugs, the inconspicuous screw holes nestled within your furniture stand out as prime real estate for these stealthy invaders. Unbeknownst to many, these seemingly innocuous openings become sought-after hideouts for bed bugs.
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If you’re worried about a possible bed bug infestation, make sure you inspect the screw holes on your furniture. This a super common hiding spot for bed bugs. You’ll be able to notice little bumps, spots and dots, which will be the bugs, casings and eggs. Ring pest control asap, as the furniture will need to be disinfected.25. Dots on your walls
In the covert world of bed bug infestations, their incursions can swiftly escalate, transforming into a pervasive challenge that extends beyond the confines of typical hiding spots. Discovering black dots on your walls, especially concealed behind furniture or posters, unveils a potential red flag.
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Bed bug infestations can get out of hand real quickly. So if you spot black dots on your wall behind things like furniture and posters, chances are, you’re going to need to whole house disinfected to be on the safe side. Speak to a professional who will be able to advise.26. You're getting itchy areas on your skin
The mysteries behind itchy skin can often lead to a multitude of possibilities, and among them lurks the potential culprit—bed bugs. While itchy areas might be attributed to various factors, overlooking the possibility of bed bugs isn't a risk to take lightly.
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While itchy areas on your skin might be flaring up for a number of reasons, it’s important not to rule out bed bugs. Some people can react pretty severely to bites, and end up with patches of inflamed, irritated skin. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you need help with calming your skin.27. Your neighbors have bed bugs
Spotting exterminators at your neighbor's residence might serve as an unexpected wake-up call, triggering a heightened sense of vigilance in safeguarding your own home. The presence of bed bug exterminators in close proximity demands a shift to high alert.
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If you happen to clock some exterminators at your neighbor’s house, it’s time to go on high alert. If a house in close proximity to yours happens to have a bed bug infestation and you’re socializing with its inhabitants, you could end up carrying these bugs back to your own home.28. Used or second hand furniture smells funny
The allure of second-hand furniture often comes with a tinge of excitement, but hidden within the fabric and structure lies a potential risk—bed bugs. The faint musty odor emanating from these preloved pieces might not just be a byproduct of age; it could be a subtle warning sign of an unwelcome infestation.
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If you’ve got second-hand furniture in your home and it starts to smell at little musty, be sure to inspect it for bed bugs. They might be lurking in the seams and zippers, as well as under cushions. One of the most common ways bed bugs are introduced to a home is through used and discarded furniture, so it’s something to bear in mind in the future.29. Dark spots on cardboard
In the unending quest for hidden hideouts, bed bugs exhibit a knack for finding unconventional sanctuaries, including the unassuming confines of cardboard boxes. These seemingly innocuous containers, often nestled within households for storage or transport, become unsuspecting breeding grounds for these persistent intruders.
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Bed bugs can get just about everywhere. If you happen to have cardboard boxes in and around the house, be sure to inspect them on a regular basis, as bed bugs absolutely love them. They can gather in huge numbers in the creases and folds of cardboard boxes, so be sure to notify your exterminator.30. You notice dark blobs on your carpet
The infiltration of a few bed bugs into your home isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a potential harbinger of a larger, widespread infestation. Those who've weathered the woes of these persistent invaders have witnessed their stealthy migration into unexpected territories.
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