Most Likely Places To Find Bed Bugs

Are you waking up with red welts on your skin? Has your research into those welts led you to believe that you might have a bed bug infestation, but you can't seem to find any bugs? Bed bugs, known scientifically as Cimex lectularius, have been living with humans for centuries and have learned how to hide from detection. If they did not possess this ability, we would have driven them to extinction by now. When searching for bed bugs it is important to know what to look for and where to look. Hopefully, this article will help you find the evidence you need to make a sound determination of whether or not you have bed bugs. Here are the top 5 places bed bugs hide and what signs you need to look for when searching.

Check Your Bed

Since bed bugs have the word bed in their name, there is a good chance you've already searched this common bed bug spot, but a bed bug infestation isn't always noticeable. And, if you didn't do a detailed inspection, you may have missed something. Search every inch of the top and bottom of your mattress and box spring, and give special attention to creases and crevices.

Bed Bug Signs

• Tiny black droppings that are smaller than the tip of pen.

• Black streaks and smear marks.

• Shed insect skins.

• Brown blood stains.

• Tiny white eggs.

• Six-legged insects. Bed bugs have a variety of appearances. When they first hatch they are only about 1.5 mm, mostly transparent, and white. As they grow, they become less transparent and more tan in color. A full adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed, rust colored, and has horizontal ridges on its abdomen. If a bed bug has had a blood meal you will be able to see the blood inside the insect. A fed bed bug will also be pill-shaped instead of its normal flat and oval shape.

Check Your Upholstered Furniture

It is a common misconception that bed bugs only feed on sleeping people, when the fact is they are quite capable of feeding on us when we're fully awake. For this reason, they are able to establish themselves in couches, chairs, and other upholstered furniture. Check these for the signs listed above. Look closely in any cavities. Do a detailed inspection of all stitching and seams. And be sure to look at the underside of your furniture. These bugs don't like to be found.

If your search turns does not turn up anything, it may not be conclusive proof that no bugs are present. Consider smelling around to see if you detect the pheromone scent of bed bugs. This scent can be described as a damp, sweaty towel that has been left on the floor of a locker room. Yes. It is unpleasant, but usually faint.

Check Your Bed Frame

Sometimes bed bugs take up residence in the frame of a bed. They prefer to hide in crevices, wheel sockets, areas between materials, and other tight spaces. But, don't be surprised if you find them out in the open. Be sure to check inside any springs or cavities.

Molding

Sometimes bed bugs take up residence behind molding, especially if pest control measures have been used to control these bugs. They are prone to hiding when they sense that they are in danger. Look for the above signs on top and at the base of all your molding, including crown molding.

Outlets

These are tiny bugs that are more than capable of going in and out of the holes of your outlets. This makes outlets a great place to establish themselves. Check all of the outlets in your bedroom and living room, and pay close attention to outlets that are near any beds or upholstered furniture. The most common sign of an outlet infestation is black streaks left on the front panel, left by bugs as they have gone out and come back in.

If you search all these places and don't find bugs, it may be time to call a professional. If you are in our service area, we would be happy to assist you. At American Pest Solutions we use a combination of K-9 bed bug detection, direct treatment options, and heat remediation. These pests are extremely elusive. Don't take the chance of missing a single egg. Get bed bug service you can trust.