Bed bugs are some of the most insidious pests imaginable. They can sneak into your home undetected on luggage or used furniture. They’re hard to detect as they’re so small and they can hide away in small crevices for the same reason.
It doesn’t matter how clean or dirty your home is as they only feed on blood. They invade the space you feel most comfortable in – your bed – and bite you in the night, while making a mess. If you have a bed bug infestation, you’re going to want to handle it as quickly as possible. The problem is it’s not always easy to tell quickly. Here are some signs that you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation:
Unexplained Bites
If you’re waking up in the morning feeling itchy and finding unexpected red marks all over your skin, that’s no doubt a concern. Bed bug bites will typically occur in areas where skin is exposed overnight – mainly in the arms, hands, and legs. People will react differently to bed bug bites with some people having no physical reaction at all, so it’s not possible to diagnose a bed bug problem from bites alone. But it’s at least evidence that should be considered along with other signs.
Stains
Unexplained stains on your sheets are also a sign of potential trouble. Sometimes after a bed bug fills up on your blood, you may roll over on it, crushing it or at least causing it to lose some of your blood. This will lead to blood stains. Meanwhile, bed bugs are like any other creature in that they excrete, so be on the lookout for any brown or rust-colored stains as well. 
Evidence of Life
If you’ve already noticed unexplained bites and stains, it’s time to start looking for evidence of active bed bug life. One such sign is eggs, which are laid each day by female bed bugs. They’ll be about one millimeter in length, white in color, and oval in shape. They’ll likely be stuck to a surface on or near your bed. Another sure sign of an infestation is the brown and yellow translucent shell casings bed bugs leave behind when they shed their exoskeleton.
Of course, there’s no more reliable indicator of an infestation than live bed bugs. They’re difficult to find as they tend to stick to their hiding spots during the day. When you do discover them, they’ll be extremely small and reddish brown in color.
If you’ve noticed some of these signs, it’s time to give Amherst Exterminators a call. It’s nearly impossible to get rid of bed bugs without professional help. Give us a call at 716.908.2475 today to set up a free estimate and start sleeping easier.
