Person revealing bed bug bites on their back - Florida Pest Control, Gainesville FL

Unfortunately, one of the most common ways that people discover they have bed bugs is by finding bites in the morning. Since they’re such tiny insects that primarily come out when we’re fast asleep, it can be hard to tell if you have an infestation until you start waking up covered in bites. However, bed bugs often leave behind a few signs that could help you identify a problem early on. If you’re worried that you might have bed bugs, here are some things to watch for. 

That said, bed bug bites can look an awful lot like other insect bites, such as those from mosquitoes or fleas; they’re usually swollen, red, and itchy. The two main things to look for are the pattern and areas bitten. Bed bug bites generally show up on areas of the body that are exposed at night, and they may form a line or zigzag shape

Bed bugs are resilient pests, and no one wants to be faced with an infestation problem inside their home or business. Regrettably, bed bug activity is on the rise in Florida, and it’s important to learn the signs of an infestation. In addition to being a nuisance, bed bugs also bite and can travel from room-to-room without being noticed. Getting rid of them always requires the assistance of an experienced bed bug exterminator.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are oval-shaped insects with a flattened body that is about the size of an apple seed. Before eating, they’re typically brown or yellowish-white in color, but after consuming a blood meal, they get slightly larger and take on a reddish tint. Their eggs are white and extremely small, so they can be even harder to spot than live insects.

Where to Look For Bed Bugs

Many people think that bed bugs only stay near beds, but they may hide out in just about any place they can regularly get a meal. This could include couches, carpeting, or even pet beds. In a bedroom, look for signs of an infestation in places like:

  • Crevices and seams on your mattress
  • Behind the headboard or in box springs
  • Curtains or carpeting near your bed
  • Inside your closet
  • Power outlets or behind bed stands

Signs of Bed Bugs

Because bed bugs rarely come out during the day, it’s generally easier to look for signs of an infestation rather than for live insects themselves. Bed bugs are tiny and can be difficult to detect with an untrained eye. There are several signs to determine if your home or business has been infested by bed bugs:

  • Skins sheds: Bed bugs molt and shed their skin in mattress creases, around mattress edges, and in crevices that serve as hiding places.
  • Red or rusty stains: Bed bugs leave a mark when crushed.
  • Fecal matter: Appear as black specks, as small as the tip of a pen, on the mattress, mattress cover, or fabrics.
  • Tiny eggshells or eggs: Although rarely seen, eggshells are a pale yellow color.
  • Nymphs: Young bed bugs, light in color, getting darker as they mature.
  • Adult bed bugs: Active bugs are often found clustered together.
  • Odor: A heavy infestation leaves a musty odor that smells like coriander.

Common Bed Bugs Symptoms

Symptoms of bed bug bites are rare, but occasionally bites will cause: 

  • Rashes
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Welts

While bed bugs are not considered dangerous, there are individuals who are allergic to their bites. These bugs are nocturnal and feed at night. When their victim is sleeping or at rest, bed bugs target exposed areas of the body, such as the arms or legs. Their bites are often confused with other bug bites. However, there are distinct differences: Bed bug bites are arranged in straight lines or zigzag patterns, and can be clustered on the body. 

Mosquito Bites Vs Mosquito Bites Vs Flea Bites

All three of these insects are known for leaving behind itchy bite marks, but they aren’t exactly the same. If you want to tell if you have a bed bug bite or something else, look at:

  • Location: Mosquito bites pop up in random places and flea bites usually gather on the lower body, especially around the ankles. Bed bug bites, on the other hand, may form lines or zigzags on skin that is exposed at night.
  • Size: All three insects cause itchy, red bumps that may swell slightly. However, the welts from bed bug bites are typically much larger than flea or mosquito bites. 
  • Timing: Mosquito bites take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to fully show up. Flea bites are a lot more immediate, so you’ll usually feel pain right after the bite. However, bed bug bites usually don’t become obvious until a few hours after waking up.

What to Do If You Think You Have Bed Bugs

Thinking you have bed bugs can be really unsettling, especially if you’ve discovered any bite marks. To see if you have an infestation (and get rid of it quickly if you do), start by calling a professional bed bug removal company like Florida Pest Control. We can thoroughly inspect your room, identify the early stages of an infestation, and treat it quickly. To get rid of bed bugs as fast as possible, give our team a call today.

Effectively treating bed bugs is a complex and comprehensive undertaking. Our bed bug exterminators have the experience needed to get rid of bed bugs for good. For more information on signs of bed bugs or to schedule an inspection, contact us today!

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