Bed bugs are tiny pests that you can easily miss, even in your own home. Whether they’re found on a bench at the airport or in a popular movie theater, these small bugs find a way to make a big impression in the Phoenix news. Recognizing bed bugs can help you spot these pests early and have your home treated before an infestation gets worse.
What Bed Bugs Look Like
You might have trouble finding bed bugs if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Keep the following in mind for recognizing bed bugs:
- Size. Juvenile and adult bed bugs are tiny. Adults can measure up to 1/4 inch long, while juveniles are considerably smaller and harder to see.
- Shape. Bed bugs have oval-shaped bodies that are usually flat in appearance. However, after eating, their bodies have a more bloated and thicker appearance.
- Color. Juvenile bed bugs usually have a translucent tan appearance, while adults tend to be a dark red color that can appear shiny.
- Features. Bed bugs have six legs, two dark eyes, two antennae, and no wings.
- Eggs. Checking for bed bug eggs is one way to see if you have a problem. The eggs are tiny and have an elongated, yellow or brown appearance.
Watch for Signs
Since bed bugs are so small, you can have them in your home without seeing them if you aren’t actively looking. So, how do you know if you have these pests? Recognizing bed bugs includes checking for the following:
- Bite marks. You might find out you have a bed bug problem if you see bite marks on yourself or your family. Bed bugs are most active at night when they’re feeding. If you wake up scratching, you should inspect the marks. Bed bug bites are red and dark in the center. They might itch or form blisters.
- Stains. Recognizing bed bugs means looking for red stains that these pests leave behind when they are crushed. Check your bedding, mattress, furniture, and clothing.
- Excrement. Like any pest, bed bugs leave excrement behind. This is more noticeable on lighter colored sheets. Watch for small, dark spots that could be bed bug excrement.
Where to Look for Bed Bugs
Checking your bed is the place to start when it comes to recognizing bed bugs in your home. However, these pests aren’t just found on mattresses and bed linens. Bed bugs can hide almost anywhere in your home. These places help keep them safe until it’s time for them to feed at night.
Recognizing bed bugs includes inspecting these hiding spots:
- Headboards and bed frames. These pests can hide in crevices and cracks. Whether your headboard is wooden, metal, or upholstered if they can find a protected place to stay they’ll stick around.
- Mattress seams and bedsprings. These areas provide convenient shelter for bed bugs.
- Furniture. Check the seams of your couches, chairs, and other furniture. You should also look between the cushions and pillows. Bed bugs can easily fit into these hidden areas in your living room.
- Curtains. If you have window coverings, bed bugs could be lurking in them.
- Electrical appliances and outlets. Bed bugs sometimes find tiny openings in these items that keep them safely hidden.
Recognizing bed bugs means checking all the places they hide. If you find one bed bug, it’s likely you have a lot more. The Budget Brothers Bed Bug Department is standing by to send a certified technician to inspect and treat your home. If you have bed bugs in your Phoenix home, call Budget Brothers for help today.
