Signs include:
- Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets.
- Dark spots (about this size: •), these spots are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric as a marker would.
- Eggs and eggshells (about 1mm) are pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
- Live bed bugs.
Survivability of Bedbugs
- Death within minutes due to extreme cold.
- Death within months if acclimated to the cold area.
- Death within weeks or months due to the inability to breed.
- Slower Reproduction due to a warmer environment.
- Perfect climate for fast reproduction.
- Heat in the environment will slow reproduction
- Death within a day to weeks due to extreme heat.
- Death in minutes due to reaching thermal kill zone.
Bedbug Hiding Areas
Common hiding places include:
- Box Spring (34.6%)
- Couch and/or Chair (22.6%)
- Mattress (22.4%)
- Bed Frame and/or Head Board (13.4%)
- Other (3.1%)
- Walls and/or Ceilings (2.3%)
- Baseboard (1.4%)
- Dresser and/or Night Stand (0.2%)
Bugs are also found in:
Clothing, Bedding, Curtains, Luggage, handbags, gym bags, backpacks, Luggage racks, Closets, Coffee tables, end tables, Under rugs, Carpet edges, and within Clutter piles.
Bed Bug Bites
Commonly bit areas include the neck, arms, legs, hands, and face. However, they will not be prejudiced. Bed Bugs will bite what they can which includes your back. They have a long needle-like appendage tucked away in a slot under the body. This needle comes out when its time to feed. They will inject saliva that acts as a numbing agent into the skin to keep you unaware during feedings. They will also release anticoagulant so the blood flows freely. The appendage is long enough to reach the blood vessels under the skin.
Prevention
Be aware they can be in any environment. Just because you believe you they will not bite you doesn’t mean they will leave you alone. Do not purchase used furniture. Blood spots in your sheets is a huge sign that an infestation may be taking place. The lighter the sheets are the easier it is to see and catch early.
Keep suitcases off the floor when traveling whenever possible. The best place to keep luggage would be in the bathroom due to the heat and moisture of the shower. Returning from a trip you should wash everything in hot water while drying them at the highest possible temperature. Keep in mind when traveling, to bring non-heat sensitive clothing if possible. Use mattress covers that cover the entire mattress. Bed bugs are hard to see and may require a professional inspection to identify them properly.
Myths
Having Bedbugs means you’re low class. This is not true. Rather, Bed Bugs have no bias in your lifestyle. In fact, in many cases, wealthier individuals who travel often will contract and spread Bed Bugs. These bugs are common and are found nationwide.
Bed bugs transmit diseases. So far this is a Myth. There has not been a single documented case of bedbugs transmitting diseases.
Sleeping with the lights on stops bites. This is a myth. Bed Bugs do prefer darker places to hide, but if need be will come out in the day time.
Pesticides alone will kill bed bugs. Another commonly misunderstood myth. They require specific attention performed by a licensed professional. The chemical treatment will require more than 1 visit and many bedbugs are resistant to the chemicals being sprayed