Bites may look like small, flat or raised areas that can become inflamed, itchy, red, or blistered. Bed bug bite reactions don’t always appear immediately after you’re bitten and symptoms may take a few days to be noticeable. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same manner. Bed bug bites are often grouped together in a small area and at times may occur in a line or a zigzag pattern. Bed bug bites are not always painful and can go unnoticed for hours or days. This allows bed bugs to withdraw human blood for up to 10 minutes with each feeding. Bed bug bites occur most commonly on exposed skin, such as the upper body, neck, arms, and shoulders. Bed bug bites, for some, can develop into itchy, red welts or swelling the day after being bitten. However, bites may not become obvious for a while or at all on some individuals. Many bites leave no mark and go completely unnoticed. If you develop a rash after being bitten by a bed bug, avoid scratching the affected area. If the rash persists or becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.

It isn't necessary to locate a Bed Bug specimen to identify an infestation, necessarily. Their excrement leaves brown and black stains on mattresses and linens, and bloodstains may be visible where bed bugs have been accidentally crushed. Bed bugs are flat and small in size, which allows them to hide easily from view during the day when they are not active. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, curtains, bedding, furniture, carpets, electrical outlets, baseboards, and amongst clutter. They are most commonly found in the seams of mattresses or inside of box springs. One fertile female bed bug in a friendly environment such as a single or multiple-family dwelling is an infestation that is waiting to happen. A healthy, blood-fed female can produce from 200-500 healthy eggs during her lifetime and may lay from 2-5 eggs each day. The likelihood of an infestation is extremely high unless your pest management professionals are employed to eliminate the infestation.

Bed bugs are most commonly transported by people, often in personal belongings from travelling and/or visiting places such as motels, apartment complexes, assisted living facilities, resorts, and more. They often attach themselves onto your clothes, the bottom of a shoe, travel luggage, purses, and gym bags. They get a free ride back to your home, condo, townhouse, or apartment. Bed bugs are easily transported into previously non-infested dwellings. If you think you may be dealing with a bed bug issue, contact us here.