Bedbugs are parasitic insects that typically infest beds and mattresses in bedrooms, causing uncomfortable itching and impacting sleep quality. In this article, we will explore six ways to identify a bedbug infestation in your home and learn how to prevent them in a timely manner.
Firstly, it is important to be able to recognize bedbugs. They have a large oval-shaped abdomen and are reddish-brown in color. They possess six legs and short antennae, and are typically small in size, similar to that of a small seed or apple seed.
Bedbugs prefer to live in hidden places, such as the corners of beds, blankets, and mattresses. They do not typically roam around unless in search of a blood meal.
Bedbugs feed on the blood of humans and pets by attaching themselves to the skin. When fully engorged, their abdomen becomes dark red and their body elongates. While bedbugs do not transmit diseases, their bites can cause itchy and irritated skin, and may leave scars.
Bedbugs
1 Musty odor in the mattress and bedroom
The first sign of a bedbug infestation is the presence of a musty odor in places such as the mattress and blankets, similar to the smell of mothballs, quince, or hazelnuts. This smell is a result of a combination of odors from dead bedbugs and their feces, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
Musty odor in the mattress and bedroom
2 Bite marks from bedbugs on the skin
If you wake up in the morning with itchy, red, swollen marks on your skin, it may indicate bedbug bites. Bedbug bites tend to be more uncomfortable compared to bites from other insects. The bites often leave dark red marks and commonly appear on the arms, neck, face, or hands. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to bedbug bites, leading to constant itching, blisters, and scratches on the skin.
Bite marks from bedbugs on the skin
3 Bloodstains on bed sheets and mattresses
If you notice reddish-brown stains on your bed sheets or blankets, it may be a result of crushed bedbugs or their saliva containing blood staining the fabric. Sometimes, these red marks can also be caused by bleeding from bedbug bites.
Bloodstains on bed sheets and mattresses
4 Black spots
If you see small black spots scattered on your mattress, blankets, or mattress seams, they may indicate hiding places of bedbugs. These spots are actually bedbug feces and digested blood, which are black in color and can soil your bedding.
Black spots
5 Identification through discarded exoskeletons
Bedbugs go through rapid growth and development, reaching their maximum growth rate in about a month. During this time, they molt five times, leaving behind pale yellow exoskeletons. These exoskeletons can be easily spotted on surfaces, walls, or in mattress crevices, so it is important to pay attention to these areas during cleaning.
Identification through discarded exoskeletons
6 Identification through bedbug eggs
Bedbugs typically lay 1-7 eggs per day, and the eggs hatch within 7-10 days. Their eggs are oval-shaped, approximately 1mm in length, and have a white color. After five days, dark spots develop on the eggs, which are the formation of eyes, but they are difficult to identify with the naked eye.
Identification through bedbug eggs
Above are six signs to help you identify a bedbug infestation in your home. We hope this article has been helpful in successfully eliminating bedbugs!
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