4 Signs You Brought Bed Bugs Home From Vacation
Most people look forward to a relaxing vacation every year. Sun, sand, and sea are all a recipe for revitalization and rejuvenation. The last thing you want is to discover that you’ve brought bed bugs back home with you.
If you’re traveling abroad, it’s easy to assume that bites come from other pests. Mosquitoes and other pests are common in hot climates. But, if you’re still getting bites when you arrive home, the problem could be bed bugs instead. Take a look at these common signs below.
Live Bugs
They’re not always easy to spot because they’re so small but you may catch one or two live bugs in the periphery of your vision. It’s worth checking your suitcase for example, if you’ve been exploring the caribbean and the clothes you bring home from vacation may have any signs of live bugs.
Contrary to popular belief, these bugs aren’t just found in beds. You may find them in your shoes or around other furniture. If you spot live bugs, pest control will be essential because they can breed quickly.
Dark Spots or Blood Stains
Where bed bugs are present, it’s common to find tiny dark spots or blood stains on sheets and mattresses. There are two main reasons for this. The first is that you may have rolled over in bed and killed a bed bug, leaving blood on the sheet.
The second is that bed bugs bite and can break the skin. You may have bled on your sheets if you were bitten while you slept. If you spot these signs, contact an exterminator immediately.
Bite Marks
One of the first signs that many people notice is bites on the skin. These bites look like tiny red swellings that seem to come out of nowhere. You may not feel when you’re bitten but the bugs leave evidence behind them. You'll usually find bites on areas of your body that are exposed while you sleep.
If there aren’t many bugs to start with, these bites could be few and far between. It will be important to join the dots and examine the areas of your home where you spend the most time. If you’re unsure if the bites are from bed bugs, talk to your doctor.
Musty Odor
Have you noticed a musty odor in your home? If the scent in your home has suddenly changed there could be a good reason for it. Bed bugs bring a foul odor with them and the more there are, the worse it can get.
If you can smell a musty odor, especially around your bed, it’s time to investigate. Look at your sheets and your mattress. Remove your mattress and look at the bed base too. Bed bugs will hide in any crevice they can find so don’t be fooled if you can’t spot the right away.
If you’re unsure if bed bugs are in your home, it’s worth asking for a professional opinion. If you’ve found this article helpful, take a look at the others.