If you see tiny traces of black or reddish-brown debris in your bed sheets, you may immediately suspect a bed bug infestation. While you can’t be too cautious, people often mistake other types of minuscule bits for the dreaded bed bug. Flax seeds, crumbs, scabs, lint, fleas, and traces of other bugs such as cockroaches can resemble bed bug-related debris. Here’s a guide to identifying bed bugs to help you know what you’re seeing.
What do bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs are about a half-centimetre long, oval-shaped, and reddish brown. They’re visible with the naked eye. They don’t jump or fly but can hide in tiny cracks and crevices. They tend to hide and become active when people are relaxed, sitting, or sleeping. Consequently, you’re more likely to see the evidence they leave behind.
Look for their traces
Because they tend to hide, you may spot the symptoms of bed bug bites before seeing the critters themselves. The most disturbing sign may be itchy spots on your skin resembling mosquito bites. Bed bug bites usually appear on parts of the body that were exposed, allowing them to feed. Please be advised that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites.
Keep an eye out on your sheets, mattress, and box springs for excrement in the form of small black spots. You may also see the bugs, dead or alive, plus eggs and traces of shed exoskeletons on or near beds, couches, chairs, and any other areas where people relax and spend time.
How to spot young bed bugs
Look for bed bug eggs and nymphs near the adult harbourage areas and fecal matter. Bed bugs often lay their eggs in miniscule white clusters. The eggs usually take one to two weeks to hatch after laying. The nymphs are about the size of a pinhead and whitish in colour.
Don’t be deceived into thinking your property is too clean for bed bugs. They’re tiny and highly portable, so they can quickly enter your living spaces undetected. Once in your home or business, they can rapidly spread from room to room. If you suspect the presence of bed bugs, you must act fast.
Bed bug exterminators in Western Canada
For your home, hotel or residential facility, trust Poulin’s Pest Control for fast, effective elimination and prevention of bed bugs. We can inspect your property, eliminate a bed bug problem and provide ongoing prevention. Our team serves clients in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Contact us today to arrange an on-site consultation.