A common myth about bed bugs is that you cannot see them. Although they are small bed bugs are visible to the human eye. A bed bug is as small as 1cm in size.
Yes, you can see bed bugs through the entire life cycle of a bed bug. In fact, you can even see bed bug eggs.
Throughout the life cycle of a bed bug, it will be different sizes. As a bed bug ages, it will shed its skin similar to a rattlesnake. This shedding is called molting. If you find bed bug skins or shells you probably do have a bed bug infestation and should start treatment immediately.
Check out our complete bed bug treatment guide here!
Bed bugs are most commonly found in and around your bed because this is where you are when they come to feed. Bed bugs prefer the dark and typically come out at night. Bed bugs are attracted to carbon monoxide, which is how they find a host. For convenience, bed bugs want to remain close to their next meal. Furthermore, they tend to seek out a dark location during daylight hours.
Bed bugs are smart and very good at hiding. Check and treat the following bed bug hiding places if you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation.
This list is not an exhaustive list of where to find bed bugs but is a good start. If you have the slightest inclination that you have bed bugs you should begin treating immediately to control and prevent an infestation. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to bed bugs.
The image above shows a bed bug exoskeleton on the back of a headboard. This is what happens when a bed bug molts to the new stage of its life cycle.
Bed bugs often leave behind their bloody feces. This can be seen above in the picture showing a dresser drawer with bed bug droppings inside.
The image above shows a bed bug just sitting on the wall waiting for its next meal. They aren't always hiding.
Bed bugs aren't very good at hiding their presence. This gives us an advantage. We can spot their presence and take immediate action to remove the pests as soon as possible.
Look for red or black spots in the locations listed above. Typically bed bugs will leave behind trails of blood feces. These blood feces can be found on bed sheets or in places that bed bugs hide. To determine if you have bed bugs, look for anything abnormal in dark areas of your home.
If you look long enough you should be able to find exoskeletons or bed bug shells as well as actual bed bugs depending on how bad the infestation is.
Look behind your bed, in the baseboards of your rooms and underneath your box spring mattress. If you have bed bugs you will probably find them in these areas.
If you see blood spots on your bed then it is very likely that you have squashed a bed bug in your sleep after it had you for a meal. If you were bitten by a bed bug then you will probably have a red rash looking welp in areas of your skin. Rub this area with alcohol and wash thoroughly.
It is common to feel gross and unsanitary but do not let this get you down. Even the cleanest homes have been infested with bed bugs. These pests are known to be travelers and come from your own travels by getting into your luggage.
Even the most high-end hotels have had bed bug problems. It is a hush hush subject and hotels deal with it and try to keep the public from finding out. With that said it is important to remain calm and get to work right away to remove the problem.
Bed bugs are disgusting and we all know that. It is important to know what you are looking for and signs that clearly mean you have a bed bug infestation. Some infestations are worse than others but regardless of the number of bugs in your home you need to take action as quickly as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
You can see bed bugs and if you do see them call your local pest control company to find out what services they offer to combat bed bugs in your home.
Identify there is a problem. Even one bug is a problem. Find a solution to getting rid of them. Take action to get rid of them. Consider reading more on our website for ways to get rid of bed bugs. Check out our amazing product reviews to choose a product best for your situation and financial abilities.
Don't forget that you aren't a disgusting person just because you have come in contact with bed bugs. Remember that even the cleanest people have had this problem. Bed bugs don't care about how clean you are they care about sucking your blood to survive.
Do you have any experience with bed bugs? What methods did you use to get rid of them and how long did it take? Leave a comment below.
Resources: Check out the EPA website for more information on bed bugs: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
