The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is waking up with red, itchy bites on your skin. These bites are often in a straight line or clustered together and can be found on any exposed areas of skin, such as your arms, legs, and neck. While bed bug bites are not known to transmit diseases, they can be extremely irritating and cause discomfort.1. Red, Itchy Bites on the Skin
Another telltale sign of bed bugs on your mattress cover is the presence of small blood stains. When bed bugs bite, they leave behind small droplets of blood, which can be seen as tiny brown spots on your bedding. These stains are often found near the seams of the mattress cover or on the edges of the bed.2. Small Blood Stains on the Mattress Cover
Aside from blood stains, bed bugs also leave behind dark spots or stains on your mattress cover. These spots are actually bed bug feces and can be found on your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress cover. They are usually dark brown or black in color and may have a musty odor.3. Dark Spots or Stains on the Mattress Cover
Bed bugs reproduce quickly and can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime. These eggs are tiny and white, making them difficult to spot. However, if you see any eggshells or shed skins on your mattress cover, it's a clear indication that bed bugs are present.4. Eggshells or Shed Skins on the Mattress Cover
Bed bugs release a pheromone that gives off a distinct musty odor. If you notice a strange smell coming from your mattress cover, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation. This odor is often described as a sweet, musty, or moldy scent.5. Musty Odor Coming from the Mattress Cover
If you happen to see any live bed bugs crawling on your mattress cover, it's a clear sign that you have a problem. These insects are small, about the size of an apple seed, and are reddish-brown in color. They are most active at night and can be difficult to spot during the day.6. Live Bed Bugs Crawling on the Mattress Cover
In addition to blood stains, you may also notice rusty or reddish stains on your mattress cover. These stains are caused by bed bugs being crushed or squished while they are feeding. If you see these stains, it's a sign that bed bugs have been present for a while and have been feeding on you while you sleep.7. Rusty or Reddish Stains on the Mattress Cover
As mentioned before, bed bug feces are small dark spots that can be found on your mattress cover. These feces are actually digested blood and can be found in clusters or scattered around your bedding. If you see these spots, it's a clear indication that bed bugs are present and feeding on you.8. Visible Bed Bug Feces on the Mattress Cover
Aside from blood stains and feces, you may also see red or brown spots on your mattress cover. These spots are caused by bed bugs being squished while they are not feeding. If you see these spots, it's a sign that the infestation is getting worse and you should take immediate action.9. Red or Brown Spots on the Mattress Cover
Similar to other insects, bed bugs shed their exoskeleton as they grow. These exoskeletons are clear and can often be found on your mattress cover or in the crevices of your bed. If you see these, it's a sign that bed bugs are present and reproducing. If you notice any of these signs on your mattress cover, it's important to take immediate action to get rid of the bed bugs. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and can lead to a full-blown infestation. Contact a professional pest control company to help you eliminate these pesky pests and get back to a good night's sleep.10. Bed Bug Exoskeletons on the Mattress Cover