Bedbugs are tiny, oval shaped, brown insects that live on the blood of humans and animals. Their bodies are flat and about the size of a sesame seed. However, this can swell after feeding and turn a reddish brown.
Bed bugs are unable to fly, but can crawl quickly. They can be found on walls, ceilings, floors beds and furniture and lay eggs that are about the size of a speck of dust. They have even been known to hide in electrical sockets and switchboards! If you fear you may have bed bugs, let’s take a look at the signs you need to look out for.
5 Signs Your Room Has Bed Bugs
You Have Itchy, Blotchy Skin
Have you woken up with unusual red, itchy spots on your skin? This could mean bed bugs have been feasting on you overnight! While your skin will be itchy, try not to scratch too much. Use a calamine lotion or anti-itch cream to reduce the swelling and itchy sensation. Also, contact your local professional carpet cleaners in Adelaide to do a deep clean of your home.
Tiny Blood Stains on Your Bed Sheets
Bed bugs suck blood, causing them to swell up and stop moving. The blood you see on your sheets in the morning could be your own, or it could be from involuntarily squashing a bed bug. If you notice these stains, strip your bed sheets and wash on the highest temperature. Use a stiff brush to dislodge bed bugs and their eggs from the mattress before vacuuming.
Rusty Faecal Spots on Upholstery
If you notice browny/rusty coloured stains on your bed and upholstery, this could point to a bed bug infestation. After touching these stains, they will smudge, releasing an unpleasant odour. This is basically faecal matter from bed bugs. To sanitise your home, call in professional cleaners to complete a deep clean.
A Musty, Moldy Smell
If you notice a musty, sock like smell around your home, that isn’t your own, this points to a bed bug infestation. Large groups of bed bugs release pheromones that have an intense moldy, musty smell. To rid your home of this nasty odour, start cleaning from top to bottom.
You Recently Bought an Old Upholstered Furniture Item
While old furniture doesn’t always have a bed bug infestation, it’s best to do checks before bringing items into your home. Get some rubber gloves on a place a white sheet next to the furniture piece.
Shake the furniture onto the sheet. If any bed bugs appear, you’ll see them on the white background. Use a flashlight to inspect in the cracks and a credit card to dig out edges. If you have a magnifying glass, this is an even better way to see what’s hiding in the dark cracks of any second hand furniture.