Your home should be a haven from all the stress and concerns of life. Invading pests can disrupt that peace and calm without warning. One of the most feared invaders is the bed bug. Unfortunately, Indianapolis has a growing concern with these pests, so it’s important to know how you can tell if you have bed bugs in your home.

What Do They Look Like?

Bed bugs are notorious for being very tiny and hiding in discreet places. If you can catch a glimpse, however, you will recognize them by their reddish-brown, oval-shaped, wingless bodies. They are roughly the size of an apple seed. Immature bed bugs are smaller and have a translucent whitish-yellow color. They often hide in the crevices of furniture, so you will probably have to go searching in order to find them. More often than not, you will notice the evidence of their existence before you see one roaming around.

What are the Signs of Bed Bugs?

The evidence left behind by bed bugs will probably be the first indication that you might have a problem. These include:

• Bites - often in a line or zig-zag pattern, raised, red and very itchy on skin exposed while sleeping.
• Bloodstains on your sheets
• Eggs or fecal droppings on upholstery
• Molting or skin that has shed
• A musty odor

How to Find Bed Bugs:

The first step to finding bed bugs is to check all of your bedding for live bugs, bloodstains and fecal droppings.

Second, check your mattress and box springs for evidence of bed bugs. Make sure to check in all the crevices and seams.

Third, check around outlets, baseboards and other areas such as the carpet or objects near the area for signs of bed bugs.

Fourth, check you and your family’s skin for bites. The bites do not always appear the same from person to person, so check for any unusual bites and itchiness.

Fifth, inspect clothing, curtains and any other piece of furniture where bed bugs may have found a resting place.

Next Steps:

If you find live bugs or other evidence of an infestation, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent the further expansion of the bugs. You will need to thoroughly wash any bedding in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting. Upholstery should be cleaned and vacuumed frequently. It’s a good idea to encase your mattress in a zipped cover to entrap and kill any remaining bed bugs. Finally, you may need to seek professional help if you are unable to contain the problem on your own. An expert can safely and effectively remove the bed bugs to ensure your home is once again bug-free.

The news of a bed bug infestation can be shocking and overwhelming. If you suspect these pesky creatures may have made their way into your home, a professional at Trio Pest Control is standing by to help your Indianapolis home once again become a peaceful refuge. Give us a call today to set up an appointment and we can devise a plan that is right for you family.