Bed bugs are disgusting pests that bite people while they sleep. There is something really unsettling and gross about bed bugs, and finding them in your home can be extremely upsetting. However, there are also many misconceptions about bed bugs.
In this article, you’ll learn how to identify bed bugs by sight as well as by other signs of an infestation. This information is important because it can help you notice a bed bug problem early on, and the earlier you realize you have bed bugs the easier they are to remove.
Why Bed Bugs Are Hard To Identify
One of the difficult things about bed bug identification is that they can be hard to see. While they aren’t invisible to the naked eye, they are still quite tiny, so they aren’t going to be as noticeable as other pests in Tampa such as rodents or spiders.
Bed bugs are often mistaken for other insects. At first glance, bed bugs can look similar to fleas as they are a similar color and on the small side. However, bed bugs are slightly larger and have a rounder body shape. Also, while bed bugs and fleas can both be found in carpets and furniture, fleas live on animal hosts and bed bugs do not.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
The way a bed bug looks will vary depending on if they are adults or still in the nymph stage of development. Adults are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and they are generally flat. However, after they’ve had a meal of blood, they will appear engorged. They are reddish-brown in color.
Bed bug nymphs haven’t reached adulthood. If they are very newly hatched, it can be even harder to see them because they are translucent to whitish-yellow color. They are also smaller than the adults.
Bed bug eggs are a white to yellow color at first, but the egg casings tend to turn dark brown over time.
Other Signs Of Bed Bugs
While seeing bed bugs or their eggs are the most obvious signs that you’re dealing with an infestation, there are some other indicators that you should be on the lookout for.
Mainly, you should check around bedding and other furniture for stains. Bed bugs stains can be a rusty to brown color and are usually found in irregular shapes. These markings come from bed bug excrement that is left behind. You may also notice bloodstains that appear from scratching at bites or from the small bites themselves.
Keep in mind that while bed bugs do invade mattresses and bedding, they are also found in other upholstered furniture such as couches or chairs. They can also live in curtains, carpets, and even the inside of small holes in the walls. So, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for bed bugs throughout your home, not just in your bedroom.
What Should You Do If You Have Bed Bugs?
If you have seen any signs of bed bugs in your Tampa home, it’s not worth the stress, time, and money to try to remove them on your own. Bed bugs are invasive and nearly impossible to completely remove without professional assistance.
So, instead, get affordable, reliable bed bug removal from the experts at BOLD Servicing. We even offer free quotes, so contact us today to get started and protect your home from these difficult pests.