How to Identify the Symptoms of Bed Bugs

Information about bed bug symptoms. Learn how to detect and identify if there are bed bugs in the house, including how to recognize bed bug bite symptoms.

Bed bugs are extremely adept at hiding. To find them you will need to know what you are looking for and where to find it. Most of the time it is much easier to find the symptoms of the bed bug infestation rather then the actual bed bugs themselves.

If you suspect there are bed bugs in your house or hotel room, the first tell tale symptoms are usually going to be bites from the bed bugs. You will notice flat welts or raised red bumps that are often located on the face, neck, arms and hands. To differentiate the bumps and welts from common mosquito bites, bed bugs bites are usually arranged in a unique row or in a cluster pattern and you will get bitten every night. In some cases the bed bug bites are extremely itchy and the rash that appear can become severely inflamed and even infected.

Another symptom of a bed bug infestation can show in tiny brown, black spots on the mattresses and bedding. These spots are caused by the remnants of fecal matter and crushed bugs. You may also spot small blood stains on your bed sheets that are left behind from crushed bed bugs.

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Some other signs will be empty eggshells and bed bug exoskeletons from when they go through the molting stage. These will pile up in crevices and cracks of the bedframe or on your mattress.

When a bed bug infestation becomes severe, the room would also have a distinctive and unpleasant almond-like scent. This odor is released by the bed bugs' through their scent glands.

If you do not feel you are equipped to handle battling a beg bug infestation on your own you can always hire a professional. Professional exterminators can also conduct inspections to determine if your present or future dwelling has bed bug symptoms. It is vital that you choose a company that is trained and experienced in spotting and stopping bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs like to set up home in areas where human dwell where they can constantly feed on a host. Not only can they be in places of residence but also in hotel and motel rooms.

While these establishments are usually trained and up to date on inspecting for signs of bed bugs infestations, not all do their jobs correctly. When in doubt, it is best to search for the signs of bed bugs yourself. Should you find any bed bug symptoms mentioned, you should notify the management immediately and do not continue to stay there.

Useful Resources:

The Bedbug Registry -- Use this free, public database to check for bedbug infestation reports before booking a hotel room or renting an apartment.