Pests Don’t Go Away in the Winter

Have you been waking up feeling itchy in the morning? There could be any number of reasons for this. Perhaps you're allergic to something in your fabric softener, or maybe your dog has been sleeping with you and you're sensitive to his dander. Another possibility, though, is that you have bed bugs. Itchiness alone should not prompt you to call an exterminator for bed bugs, but if your itchiness is accompanied by one or more of the following signs, it's time to take the call.

Raised, red welts.

Bed bug bites are not just itchy. They have a pretty distinct appearance that's hard to mistake for anything else once you know what you're looking for. They're red, round, raised, and they usually appear in clusters or rows. If the bites are singular, flat, or skin-colored, they may be from a spider or from fleas, but they are not from bed bugs. Bed bug bites are usually found in areas that are not covered by clothing while you sleep, such as the feet, lower legs, hands, and arms.

Round bugs in and around your mattress.

It's a common misconception that bed bugs are invisible. They're really good at hiding, but they are definitely easy to see if you can manage to find them. Try whipping back the bottom sheet to expose the seams of your mattress really quickly. This is one spot bed bugs like to hide. You may also see them along with the headboard or bed frame if you pick the mattress up.

Red or black spots on your sheets.

Have you noticed mysterious red or black spots on your bedsheets? These are most obvious on white sheets. This is bed bug feces. If the spots initially look black, they will turn red when you apply water to them. This is due to the blood that the bed bugs have consumed.

Exoskeletons near the bed.

Look for small, translucent bug shells that look a bit like thin fingernails. You might see these around the edge of the bed. They are the exoskeletons that the bed bugs have shed as they've grown. Each bed bug sheds its cover several times throughout its lifespan.

If you notice any of the signs above, contact an exterminator who offers bed bug control services. These pests are notoriously hard to get rid of, and the pros are your best bet for successful bed bug extermination.