Dealing with bed bug infestations can be overwhelming and expensive. Unfortunately, bed bugs are more prevalent than they were in previous years. According to Pest Control Technology, almost 70% of exterminators said that the cases of bed bugs they see are increasing. Knowing how to spot the signs of a bed bug infestation can help you eliminate the problem before it gets out of hand.

1. Seeing Bed Bugs

If you see bed bugs, that's a sign that the infestation is bad and that you need to contact an exterminator. Bed bugs typically come out at night to feed on the host and then return to their nest. That makes it unlikely that you'll see them during the day.

2. Black Spots On Sheets

Bed bugs eat and defecate in the same area. When you have a bed bug infestation, you'll see dark black or brownish-black spots on bed sheets. This is the fecal matter from bed bugs. It can be hard to wash out of sheets, too. You'll often find this near a nest of bed bugs.

3. Spots of Blood on Sheets

Bed bugs eat by consuming blood from a host. As most people sleep, they may toss and turn or scratch where a bite from a bed bug is. If a bug is squashed soon after feeding, it will leave a smear of blood.

4. Bites

Bed bug bites are often in patterns of three. However, hungry bed bugs can leave multiple bites, and bed bugs that are interrupted while eating can leave one or two. If you see bites, it's best to call an exterminator to determine the cause.

However, it's important to note that people may react differently to bed bugs. A person allergic to bed bug bites may have a swollen bite resembling a mosquito bite. Another individual might not show any signs of being bitten by bed bugs. This is an important clue, but you cannot determine whether your home has bed bugs by only looking for bed bug bites.

If you see any of these signs, you're likely dealing with a bed bug infestation. Contacting an exterminator is a great way to determine whether there is an infestation. A professional exterminator can search your house, look for signs, and tell you what you're dealing with. If you find yourself in this situation, contact Bugout Termite & Pest Control Inc right away.