Bed bugs are a growing concern for homeowners and renters alike, particularly in areas like Murfreesboro, where the warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for pests to thrive. Whether you’re experiencing unexplained bites or noticing small stains on your sheets, early detection can make all the difference when it comes to managing a bed bug infestation.
In this blog, we look closer at the early warning signs of bed bugs and what to do if you suspect they’ve made their way into your home.
1. Visible Bed Bugs and Their Eggs
One of the most obvious signs of bed bugs in your home is spotting them. Adult bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown. They usually measure between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch long, about the size of an apple seed. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices around your bed, behind furniture, and even in electrical outlets. If you find one or two bed bugs, it’s time to schedule a pest control in Murfreesboro to confirm whether you have a full-blown infestation.
Along with the adult bugs, you may also spot their tiny, translucent eggs. These eggs are about the size of a grain of rice, making them easy to miss without a keen eye. Bed bug eggs hatch in about 6 to 10 days, so early detection is critical to stopping their spread before they become a serious problem.
2. Bed Bug Bites
While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause irritation and discomfort. Bed bug bites appear as small, red, itchy welts that often occur in clusters or a line. The bites are usually found on exposed skin, such as your arms, legs, or neck, since bed bugs are nocturnal and feed while you sleep.
If you wake up with unexplained bite marks, check your bedding and surrounding areas for other signs of bed bugs. Keep in mind that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way, and some people may not notice any symptoms at all. If you suspect bites but can’t find any bed bugs, you may want to consider a bed bug treatment in Murfreesboro to deal with the issue quickly.
3. Blood Stains on Bedding
Another telltale sign of bed bugs is finding small, rust-colored stains on your sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses. These blood stains are often left behind after a bed bug has fed on you during the night. When a bed bug is crushed or disturbed, it can release blood, leaving behind these marks.
While these stains may appear harmless, they’re a key indication that bed bugs are feeding on you while you sleep. If you notice these marks, especially in the early morning when you first wake up, it’s time to call a professional for bed bug removal in Murfreesboro.
4. Fecal Spots and Exoskeletons
In addition to blood stains, bed bugs also leave behind small, dark fecal spots on your sheets, mattresses, or even on the walls near where they hide. These black spots are a mixture of digested blood, and their presence indicates an established infestation. If you spot a few scattered fecal marks, you might have an early-stage infestation, and it’s a good idea to schedule a bed bug inspection in Murfreesboro.
As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons, which are translucent and can be found around their hiding spots. These exoskeletons are typically about the same size and shape as a bed bug, and finding them is a clear sign that bed bugs have been present for some time.
5. An Unpleasant Odor
Another sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of a musty, sweet, or sickly odor in your bedroom. This odor is caused by the bed bugs’ scent glands, which they use to communicate with one another. If you notice an unusual smell, especially near your bed or sleeping area, it may be time to schedule bug removal in Murfreesboro.
While the scent alone won’t definitively confirm a bed bug infestation, it’s an indicator that they could be nearby. The odor tends to intensify as the infestation progresses, so it’s essential to address it promptly.
6. Increase in Bed Bug Activity During the Night
Since bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, you may not see them in action, but you might notice them at night when they are most active. If you start to feel something crawling on your skin as you sleep or hear tiny scratching noises coming from your bed or nearby furniture, it could be a sign that bed bugs are nearby. Bed bugs are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide, which is why they tend to feed while you sleep.
If you experience these sensations, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment for bed bug removal in Murfreesboro to get to the root of the problem before it worsens.
Bed Bugs vs Chiggers: Know the Difference
Many people confuse bed bugs with chiggers, but understanding the differences is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment and pest control service.
Chiggers are tiny mites typically found outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. They tend to bite around the ankles, waist, and armpits, places where clothing is tight against the skin. Chigger bites are extremely itchy and often become inflamed within a few hours. Importantly, chiggers do not infest your home or bed. They latch on while you’re outside and fall off after feeding.
Bed bugs, on the other hand, live indoors and are excellent hiders. Their bites commonly appear in lines or clusters on exposed skin, like the neck, arms, and legs. Unlike chiggers, bed bugs tend to stay close to their hosts, typically hiding in mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Bed Bugs | Chiggers |
| Location | Indoors, especially in bedrooms | Outdoors in grassy/wooded areas |
| Bite Pattern | Clusters or lines | Random and concentrated around tight clothing |
| Visibility | Visible to the naked eye (adults) | Microscopic (barely visible) |
| Home Infestation | Yes | No |
| Time of Activity | Nocturnal | Daytime (active outdoors) |
How to Deal with a Bed Bug Infestation
If you recognize any of these early warning signs in your home, it’s essential to take action quickly. The sooner you address a bed bug infestation, the easier and less expensive it will be to get rid of them.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call a Professional: Schedule a bed bug inspection in Murfreesboro with a licensed pest control expert who can properly identify the issue and offer tailored solutions.
- Follow Through with Treatment: Once the inspection is complete, follow the professional’s recommendations for bed bug treatment in Murfreesboro. This could include heat treatment, chemical applications, or a combination of both.
- Prevention: After the treatment is completed, take steps to prevent future infestations. This includes regular inspections, using bed bug-proof mattress encasements, and maintaining a clutter-free home.
Bed bugs are tricky pests that can multiply rapidly, so it’s essential to identify the problem early on. By staying vigilant and addressing the concern promptly, you can avoid the headache of a large-scale infestation and enjoy a pest-free living space once again.
With the right treatment and prevention steps, you can regain control of your home and ensure that bed bugs don’t become a recurring problem. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned, call us at +1 629-207-6673 to schedule a bed bug removal in Murfreesboro.
