A bed bug infestation is every Ft. Lauderdale homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only are these sneaky pests hard to find, but they’re also notoriously hard to treat. Luckily, there are some early warning signs to look for if you suspect you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation in your Ft. Lauderdale home. Inspect your home and if you see any of the following warning signs of bed bug activity, call your local bed bug control experts immediately.
1. Strange Odors
Noticing an unusual, musty odor and can’t find the source? It could be an early sign of a bed bug infestation. These nuisance pests not only feed on your blood as you sleep, but they also release smelly pheromones that are often compared to the scent of almonds, cilantro, or coriander. They release these pheromones whenever they’re alarmed or bothered. In severe infestations, the pheromones mix with the odor of dead bed bugs and bed bug feces, creating a rust-like smell that gets worse as the infestation spreads.
2. Itchy Bites
The most telltale sign of a bed bug infestation can be found on your body. If you’re seeing small, red, and itchy bumps on your arms, hands, or legs, it’s a good sign you have a bed bug problem in your home. These bites often appear as clusters in a line. Remember that every person reacts differently to bed bug bites—and some have no reaction at all. In short, don’t think that you’re in the clear of a bed bug problem if you don’t have visible or itchy bites.
3. Unexplained Bloodstains
Seeing unexplained red stains on your bedding or clothing? If you crush a bed bug in your sleep after they’ve fed on your blood, some of the blood will leak out and create noticeable stains on your sheets, pillowcases, pajamas, etc. If you see blood stains, check your body first for cuts or wounds. If there’s no other explanation, the stains may have been left behind by bed bugs.
4. Tiny Fecal Marks
If you see unexplained brown or black spots on your mattress or bedding, it’s a good sign bed bugs are nearby. Compared to the bloodstains described above, bed bug fecal marks are smaller and darker, resembling ink spots from a pen. Since bed bugs feed on human blood, their excrement contains iron that creates dark-colored droppings that have a faint rusty smell.
5. Tiny Shell Casings
If you’re dealing with a growing bed bug infestation, you’ll often see discarded shell casings. They’re often easier to find than the bugs themselves—they’re translucent, hollow husks that can be found in mattress seams, upholstered furniture, and crevices in wood furniture.
Worried about a Bed Bug Infestation in Your Home? Call the Ft. Lauderdale Bed Bug Control Experts!
Bed bugs are a nightmare to deal with. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice sleep—and your peace of mind—if you call the bed bug control experts at Service Choice of Ft. Lauderdale. Contact us today at (954) 568-9955 to say goodbye to bed bugs for good!
