If you or a guest notices small, oval-shaped insects that have a brownish or reddish color throughout your property, you might have detected the presence of bed bugs. These insects do not fly, but they are able to move swiftly across walls, floors, and ceilings.
If you are looking for more signs that you have bed bugs, be sure to continue reading below where we cover how to know you have bed bugs, how to handle the situation, and ways to prevent them from coming back in the future.
How to Know That You Have Bed Bugs in Your Space
There are various indicators that suggest that bed bugs might have found their way into your property. Signs that you have bed bugs could include the presence of one or more of the following:
- Itchy skin – Bed bugs are active at night and will bite people while they are sleeping. These bites end up appearing as small, red, and itchy bites on human skin. They are commonly found on the arms, hands, and legs, and might be in the formation of three or four bites in a line. While this is a sign that you might have bed bugs, it is not enough evidence alone to determine that you are experiencing an infestation.
- Dark or rusty spots present – If bites alone don’t give it away, you may be wondering how to know you have bed bugs for certain. Another way to detect the existence of bed bugs is the presence of red or rusty spots on clothes and sheets. When bed bugs are done feeding, they swell up with the blood, making them more susceptible to popping. While sleeping, humans may inadvertently crush these insects, causing the blood to drain onto surfaces including sheets, clothing, and more.
- Fecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins – Bed bug eggs are typically pinhead-sized, shaped as ovals that are around 1 mm in length. They can be found loosely stuck to various types of surfaces, and are visible to the naked eye. Shed skins on the other hand are often a yellowish-brown color and come in various sizes, and these are a reliable indicator of an infestation. Lastly, fecal marks can also illustrate that bed bugs have been present in your space. They appear as tiny, dark brown or black spots that are the size of a pen tip and show up as clusters.
- Musty odor – If you or a guest notice a strong scent that reminds you of rust, wet towels, or moldy laundry, but it isn’t coming from any specific source in your room, you might be dealing with bed bugs. This odor originates from dead bed bugs, mixed with the scent of shed shell casings and bed bug excretions.
Solutions for When There Are Signs You Have Bed Bugs
Now that you know how to detect the signs that you have bed bugs, we developed a few ways that you can start treating the issue. By properly cleaning the area, you can work toward achieving an area that is free of the pests. Try the following:
- Clean any materials – Wash any bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them with high heat. Throw the items that cannot be washed into a garment bag and dry on high for at least 30 minutes to eliminate any signs of bed bugs.
- Remove any and all traces you find – Use a stiff brush to scrub away any bed bugs or eggs that might have been stuck on the mattress seams before vacuuming.
- Vacuum frequently – Regularly vacuum any places where bed bugs could be found, especially around the bed and nearby areas. Once vacuuming is complete, be sure to empty your vacuum promptly and take the contents to your home’s garbage can or dumpster.
- Reduce bed bug hiding spots – To prevent bed bugs from hiding around your property, try repairing cracks in plaster and gluing down peeling wallpaper. Additionally, you can get rid of clutter around your bed to further reduce the number of places that bedbugs can hide in.
Put AmCan Products to Use
If you are looking for bed bug prevention, we have a line of products that keep bed bugs out of your space to avoid the stress of trying to remove them. Our products are designed to detect, defend against, and defeat bed bugs, allergens, and bacteria to ensure that your guests have the most comfortable living and sleeping experience.
Below, you will find the line of products we offer to prevent bed bugs from making their way into your commercial property:
Request a Quote for More Information
Now that you are aware of how to know if you have bed bugs, protect your property against the possibility of the tedious process of removing them with a line of products that are perfect for any property.
Learn more about our capabilities in defending against bed bugs by requesting a quote today!