What Are the Early Signs of Bed Bugs You Should Look For?

Have you ever gotten up in the morning and noticed a bite mark that wasn’t on you the night before? It’s an uncomfortable feeling, and for many in that situation, the possibility of bed bugs lingers in the back of the mind. And for good reason: bed bug infestations are on the rise in the U.S. It’s important to know the signs of one. This can not only help you get rid of them faster but also spare someone else from these unwanted bloodsuckers. 

So, what are the early signs of a bed bug infestation? Keep reading, in this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about when you should be worried about bed bugs in your home.

What Are the Common Signs of Bed Bugs?

A person often doesn’t notice any signs of bed bugs until they discover the bites themselves. They’re small red bumps or welts that appear in lines, zig-zags, or clusters. Most people find them itchy. Rarely, they can get infected or cause an allergic reaction. Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all.

Aside from the bites, here are some common early warning signs of bed bugs:

• Streaks or smears on bedding: If you notice red, brown, or reddish brown spots on your sheets, it may be bed bug feces or your blood from a recent meal.
• Bed bug eggs: Bed bug eggs are tiny, so it’s unlikely they’ll be the very first sign you notice. They’re thin, oval-shaped, and off-white in color.
• An unpleasant odor: Bed bugs have a distinct smell, so if the smell of your bedding takes a sudden unusual shift, bed bugs may be the culprit.
• Adult bed bugs: Adult bed bugs are tiny but visible to the naked eye. They’re so small it’s rare for someone to notice one without trying; you often have to be looking for them.

What Do Adult Bed Bugs Look Like?

People often compare bed bugs to apple seeds. They’re approximately the same size (4-7 mm) and color, but with a more rounded body, six legs, and antennae. Younger bed bug “nymphs” are smaller and lighter in color. We have more details in our Bed Bug Learning Center. 

When Should You Be Concerned?

If you notice any signs of bed bugs, it’s time to take quick action. Infestations can spread quickly, so the longer it goes the more difficult getting rid of it will be. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have bed bugs, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get in touch with a professional. 

One important thing to know about bed bugs is they travel on humans. They’re not like termites or other insects that swarm and build colonies in new locations. Bed bugs live indoors and are more likely to be found in places like hotels or dormitories with lots of people coming and going. They can also be found in older pieces of furniture. People often bring them into their homes unwittingly through free furniture left outside, or even from antique or consignment shops.

Because bed bugs spread from person to person, you have some control over the issue if you live in a single-family home. You can be aware of common situations like travel or having a child home from college that can lead to bed bug infestations. Unfortunately, in multi-family housing like apartments, condo buildings, and duplexes, it is partly on the other people in your building to also be careful to not bring bed bugs in – because if they do, they won’t stay in one unit. The infestation will grow and spread to many more units.

Are Landlords in New Mexico Responsible for Bed Bugs?

Some rental agreements detail exactly which maintenance expenses a landlord will cover and whether pest control is included in that. In New Mexico, all renters get a basic set of tenants’ rights even if it’s not explicitly stated on the rental agreement. It says that landlords have to provide a safe and habitable living space and make requested repairs in a reasonable amount of time.

Can You Get Rid of Them Yourself?

There’s a sea of misinformation out there about what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to bed bugs. As we said earlier, bed bug infestations only continue to rise and some people see that as an opportunity to make money recommending bed bug removal solutions that don’t work. The truth is while you can get rid of bed bugs yourself, it’s exceedingly difficult. They’re one of the most stubborn pests, which means the best way to get rid of them is to entrust the process to experienced bed bug exterminators.

At New Mexico Pest Control, we have a wide variety of tools and techniques we can use to solve your problem quickly and easily. This way, you can stop worrying and get your peace of mind back. Don’t take the chance of them coming back – call us today.

For more information on bed bugs in New Mexico, be sure to read the EPA’s excellent article on how to find bed bugs.