Bed bugs may be small, but they are one of the most tedious household pests to deal with. They are difficult to see and even more challenging to get rid of without help from the experts. The quicker you can arrange for professional bed bug treatment in Knoxville, the better. With that in mind, let's look at some of the early warning signs that could suggest you have a bed bug infestation.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on both human and animal blood. While not technically nocturnal creatures, they usually do prefer to feed at night simply because it is easier to feed on a sleeping host! In terms of their appearance, bed bugs look like small, flat, wingless, reddish-brown insects. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and you will need professional bed bug treatment in Knoxville to exterminate them entirely.

Bed Bug Bites

One of the first signs that you are in need of bed bug treatment in Knoxville is that you begin waking up to find small, itchy, red bumps on your body. They commonly appear on the arms, hands, and legs and often appear in clusters of 3 or 4 bites. The good news is that bed bugs do not carry or spread diseases, unlike some pests, but the saliva may trigger a mild allergic reaction in some individuals. However, it is important to note that everyone reacts differently to bites, and it can be difficult to distinguish bed bugs from other insect bites. In fact, 30% of people won't react to bed bug bites, so you should be vigilant for other signs to confirm the presence of the little bloodsuckers before booking bed bug treatment in Knoxville.

Unexplained Musty Smells

Have you ever noticed a strange, musty smell that you cannot find a source for? When you have a heavy infestation of bed bugs, you may notice a musty smell that many describe as rusty or moldy, like wet towels or old laundry! The true source of this odor is a mix of dead bed bugs, the pheromones secreted by live bed bugs, and their fecal. As the infestation worsens, so does the smell! If you notice this type of smell building in your home, it is worth consulting a pest control provider about bed bug treatment in Knoxville.

Bloodstained Sheets

As noted above, not everyone will have a reaction to bed bugs, so you may not know that you have been bitten. However, you will likely notice some blood stains on your sheets. It might surprise you to know that these do not come from the bites! When a bed bug feeds on your blood, the abdomen becomes engorged, taking on the shape of a football. If you happen to move while a bed bug is feeding, you may inadvertently crush it, causing some of that blood to leak out of its engorged body. This won't usually kill the bed bug, but it will leave a red or rust-colored stain on your bedding. If you find these blood stains on your bedding or nightwear, check for another cause, such as a cut or scab. If you can find no such injury, it may be time to book bed bug treatment in Knoxville.

Fecal Stains

Aside from blood stains, you may also encounter fecal staining around the home. These are brown or black spots about the size of a pen tip. Even after washing, these stains may remain, with some describing them as resembling a magic marker stain! These marks are smaller and darker than the blood stains described previously. Bed bug fecal matter consists of undigested blood, which is why it is dark in color. It will also have a high iron content, creating a rusty odor contributing to the musty bed bug smell we discussed earlier. If you spot these stains, it is time to book some bed bug treatment in Knoxville, especially if blood stains and a musty odor accompany them.

Shell Casings

As bed bugs grow, the juveniles shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind a yellow-brown shell casing. This is one of the most reliable indications that you have a bed bug problem you must deal with. Bed bugs have a 5 stage lifecycle, so each one will shed its exoskeleton multiple times. You should check along your mattress seams, upholstered furniture, and any holes, cracks, or crevices in your furniture. If you spot these shell casings, you should book bed bug treatment in Knoxville as soon as possible.

Live Bugs

The real smoking gun when it comes to a bed bug infestation is, of course, finding live bed bugs! However, this is also the sign that you are the least likely to see! Bed bugs are small, flat, and red-brown in color. However, adults are around the size of an apple seed, and juveniles are just a few millimeters long, so they are very difficult to spot! Bed bugs do not really wander around outside of feeding times. They prefer to find a hiding spot and stay there until they need to find a meal! If you spot live bed bugs, your infestation has probably already escalated to a severe one. Contact a pest control provider for bed bug treatment in Knoxville as soon as possible.

--

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.