Did you know that most people don't feel the first 20 times they're bitten by bed bugs? Today we're going to help you understand how to inspect for bed bugs bites and what to do if you do have a bed bug problem on your hands.
Identifying Bed Bug Bites : Top 5 Signs
- Recent travel - bed bugs are master hitchhikers but they can't fly. They are very small but visible. If there are new bites appearing on a person's body the first thing to think through is where have I been? Bed bugs are sneaky, they can hide in your clothing, your airplane seats & your hotel bedding so it's important to be aware and check before returning home for any signs of bed bug bites.
- The count and arrangement - while the specific bite will not tell you everything you need to know from a visual inspection, it does supply several clues. Bed bugs tend to hang out in large populations. Obviously, there could be a single bug (they have to start somewhere), but most situations lead to multiple bites. Additionally, bed bugs are opportunistic feeders. They will wander up to their host and line up (more or less) for a feeding.
- Ruling out other culprits - it is easy to jump to conclusions. This is especially true with the interjection of emotion that comes with the realization that you're potentially feeding a parasite. Despite the emotional rush, it is important to work through the list of possibilities such as:
- Other pests (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, lice, etc.)
- Changes in soaps and detergents
- Changes in medications
- Viruses and bacteria (we call them bugs as well, but the treatment is quite different)
- Consider the neighbors - There are various neighbors that can move in and bring bed bugs with them. This could be someone that shares an adjoining wall such as an apartment above or below or the neighbor in a duplex. Additionally, it could be non-human neighbors such as bats (bat bugs), birds (swallow bugs), poultry (chicken bugs), etc. NOTE: bat bugs are not the same as bed bugs though they are closely related.
- Review the list of imports - This is a bit tricky because it could extend farther back in time than just a few days. Since bed bugs can go a year without feeding, it could even be a piece of furniture that was picked up at a yard sale or the "free" stash on the side of the road. In addition to mattresses, book cases, and couches, pay attention to books or other items with hiding spaces such as electronics or bindings that could house a bed bug hitchhiker.
Analyzing the signs for bed bugs
None of these pieces by themselves can emphatically rule for or against bed bugs. The more arrows point in one direction or another, the better idea you have. The best thing to do is to get a professional that knows how to inspect for bed bugs properly. Professional inspections provide some closure and peace of mind to the situation. Bed bugs can be elusive and tricky, going down the DIY path can be messy, expensive and effective enough to rid you of your problem. The bed bug experts at Greenix Pest Control have the answers you need to get the peaceful sleep you deserve.
