There are a few ways to identify bedbugs in your home. You may notice white or yellowed husks, abandoned shell casings, and bites on your body. Abandoning these husks or shell casings is another reliable early sign of bedbug infestation. These bugs often exude an alarm pheromone. If you notice these early signs, it may be time to start treatment.
White or yellowed husks
You can find the husks of these insects on wood surfaces and fabrics. Husks of bedbugs are white or yellow in color. You can see these husks by holding a flashlight up to a surface and peering closely. These husks are easily identifiable and the first symptom of a bedbug infestation. A white or yellowed husk can also be a sign of an infestation.
Abandoned shell casings
You can detect a growing bed bug infestation by looking for abandoned shell casings. Bed bugs lay their eggs in hidden places. In order to grow into adult bugs, they go through five life cycles, each of which involves a blood meal. The first sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of shell casings, which are the juvenile bugs’ translucent exoskeletons.
Bed bug bites
To find out if you have bed bugs, check the area around your mattress and headboard. Look for small white dots or eggs. You can also spot the bugs by their droppings, which are similar to coffee grounds and may even contain old blood. Bed bugs do not like to move far from their food source, so they will most likely leave droppings around the bed, the headboard, and other furniture near the bed.
Smell of alarm pheromone
There are two primary ways to identify a bed bug infestation. The first is by smell. Bed bugs produce alarm pheromones, which is a distinctive odor that resembles that of the stink bug. The second way is by seeing the stains left behind by these bugs. Bed bugs tend to stick around and keep their odor for a long time.
Heat rash from bites
A heat rash from bed bug bites can look very similar to a case of Wells’ Syndrome, an autoimmune condition characterized by red, itchy welts. These welts are triggered by a variety of things, including bed bug bites, viral infections, dermatitis, and leukemia. However, there is no definite cause for the condition. It is important to get the proper diagnosis to ensure you’re not wasting your time or money on unnecessary tests.
Early signs
One of the most obvious early signs of bed bug infestation is a musty odor. Some people compare the smell to that of rotting fruit. If you notice this odor in your home, you should immediately seek help for the infestation. If the odor persists for several days, you can suspect that the infestation is worse than you thought. Here are some other early signs of bed bug infestation. If you think you may have bed bugs contact us today to receive a free estimate at (615) 412-2333.