Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Bed bugs live not only in beds, but also in suitcases, furniture, or even shoes. Bed bugs are actually harmless and generally do not spread disease, although some people are allergic to these insects or develop secondary infections from scratching their bites. Perhaps you are experiencing an emotional reaction to the dirtiness it causes, and this is natural. You can identify bed bugs by identifying their physical appearance and examining some of the other signs of these insects.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Identifying Bedbugs
Step 1. Look for oval, flat lice
Examine any insects you come across and see if their bodies are flat and oval. Next, check the thickness. Usually, bed bugs are flat and oval in shape, about the thickness of a credit card. Adult lice are about the size of an apple seed, while young lice are about the size of a poppy seed. Both have the same width and shape.
- Bed bugs can swell and enlarge after eating.
- Don't worry if you can't find bed bugs, this is normal. Bed bug infestations are usually characterized by a bite on a person, not by seeing their presence.
Step 2. Check the color, which is from brown to red
Look at the color of the ticks you see. The color can be reddish to brown. Adult lice usually have a shiny red color and like rust. Young lice are often translucent brown in color. Some bed bugs can have dark spots on their backs.
Step 3. Check for wings
Juvenile and adult bed bugs have no wings. Check the insect you see for wings or something folded on its body. Not to be confused with the accordion-like folds on the bodies of juvenile and adult bedbugs, and think of them as wings.
Step 4. Count the legs
Check for bed bugs and count the legs. Bed bugs have 6 legs. Bed bug feet are generally near the head and eyes. Bed bugs have two antennae, and don't count as legs.
Due to its very small size, you may need a magnifying glass to count the feet
Step 5. Look for 2 antennas
At the top of the tick's head, look for 2 antennae that are sticking out near the eye. The antennae of bed bugs are shorter than the legs.
Step 6. Observe the two small eyes
Examine the front of the tick's body near the antennae. Bed bugs have small, dark, protruding eyes.
Step 7. Look for bed bug eggs using a magnifying glass
If you find juvenile and adult bed bugs, examine them with a magnifying glass for eggs and eggshells. Check for small salt-sized granules that are elongated and brown or yellowish in color. Look for the following other signs that could indicate the presence of bedbug eggs:
- Tiny patches that stick to the surface of an object (such as a bed sheet), which cannot be removed by shaking or rubbing.
- Once hatched, bed bugs will leave their egg shells on the surface of an object.
Step 8. Identify the stage of development of bed bugs
There are 3 stages of development of bed bugs that can invade a place: adult, juvenile, and egg. Each phase has a slightly different appearance. So, look for the presence of these three stages of bedbugs if you suspect their existence to determine if your home has really been infested with bedbugs.
Method 2 of 2: Checking for Other Signs of Bedbugs
Step 1. Examine the skin on your body for bites
Bed bugs are very active at night and you can wake up with itching from their bites on your skin. Bed bugs can bite anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are the neck, face, arms and hands. Bed bugs often bite the foot first, either on the sole or the top of the foot. These insects also bite areas in skin folds, for example around the groin or armpits. Look for the following signs on the itchy skin area:
- A red dot with a dark red area in the center
- Itchy feeling
- Bites or bumps arranged in rough lines or clusters
- Blisters or itching at the site of the bite
Step 2. Check the mattress and fabric for any reddish stains
When you clean or change your sheets, or suspect a bed bug infestation, look for reddish or rust-like stains. Check the area you sleep in carefully. These stains can indicate that bed bugs have been squashed and indicate an infestation.
- Don't just check clothes and bedding. Check mattresses, upholstery, luggage, and any other places where bedbugs can bite your skin quickly. Bed bugs most likely won't stay in the suitcase, but it can't hurt to have them checked.
- When staying at a hotel, check the bedding.
- The stain won't go away even if you wash it thoroughly.
Step 3. Recognize the signs of bedbug droppings
Check white or cream colored fabrics and furniture for black spots the size of a pencil tip. Check to see if the stain has soaked into the fabric. This may be bedbug droppings and indicate an active flea infestation.
You'll have a hard time seeing the spots on furniture of other colors or in suitcases because they are dark in color
Step 4. Detect bed bugs in their hiding places
Bed bugs can also be recognized by examining their typical hiding locations. This is not only useful for identifying possible attacks, but also for determining what to look for in other areas of your home, office, or accommodation. Check out typical bed bug hiding locations below:
- Near the pipeline
- Stitches and labels on mattresses and spring beds
- Bed frame and backrest
- Seams on sofas, chairs and between pillows
- Curtain folds
- Drawer connection
- Electrical equipment
Tips
- To get rid of bed bugs, wash clothes and towels in hot water. Buy new pillows and sheets, and change mattresses if possible.
- If the infestation is severe, contact an extermination service. By calling in a professional exterminator, you can also minimize the risk of a re-infestation from any remaining bed bugs.
- Do your best and to the best of your ability when diagnosing and treating bed bugs, so that they don't become a major, unmanageable problem. Take your time and follow all the steps above because you don't want the condition to get any worse.
Warning
- Bed bugs are insects that like to move places. Check any fabric before you bring it into the house. When you travel, look for bed bugs or their signs where you stay.
- Adult bed bugs can survive for months without an edible host.
