Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that thrive in cracks, crevices, and seams and feed on human blood. Their ability to hide in mattresses makes them even more notorious. Identifying early signs of bed bugs on mattresses is important to prevent severe infestations and reduce the risk of discomfort, allergic reactions, and costly treatments.
In Singapore, common signs of bed bugs on mattresses include small rust-coloured stains, tiny white eggs, dark fecal spots, shed skins, a musty odor, and live bed bugs. You will experience small, red, itchy marks on the skin if the bed bugs are staying on mattresses.
However, unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites tend to cluster or cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. You may also find tiny grains of rice like eggs, a musty odor, and live bed bugs. To eradicate the bed bugs, inspect the common hiding spaces such as mattress seams, cracks in furniture, and electrical outlets.
Use hot water or soap water to clean the affected area. Take professional help for persistent infestation. Prevention is better here. To prevent bed bugs, use mattress encasements and sealed plastic bags, avoid secondhand furniture, maintain cleanliness, and inspect clothes after coming from a tour.
7 Common Early Signs of Bed Bugs on Mattresses
1. Itchy, Red Bite Marks
Bed bugs living on the mattresses feed on human blood at night, leaving small, red, itchy marks on the skin. In the morning, you will find these bites in clusters, zigzag patterns, or random arrangements. These bites are on areas like arms, legs, and neck. You will not get any pain during the bites but can experience allergic reactions, swelling, or severe skin irritation later in sensitive individuals.
2. Reddish Blood Stains
Bed bugs keep feeding on blood for a long time. When they are crushed during feeding or returning by your movement during the night, the blood inside their body creates blood stains on mattresses. These marks are small, circular, and reddish.
3. Dark Fecal Spots
Bed bugs leave behind fecal spots with their digested blood. These spots are small, dark, ink-like stains. You will find these spots along mattress seams.
4. Shed Exoskeletons and Yellowish Skins
Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons as they grow. These yellow or translucent skins are near hiding spots, especially on mattress seams.
5. Tiny White Eggs
Adult female bed bugs lay eggs four to five weeks after their birth. These eggs are minuscule and resemble grains of rice. These eggs are in clusters in mattress seams.
6. Distinct Musty or Rusty Odor
You will get a musty or rusty smell if the areas are heavily infested. These smells are caused by the bed bugs’ scent glands. The smell will grow as the bug number increases.
7. Presence of Live Bed Bugs
The last but the most clear sign of bed bug infestation is seeing live bed bugs. Bed bugs are small, flat, and oval-shaped. These look somehow like apple seeds. The color is reddish-brown. You will mostly see them at night.
What to Do if You Find Bed Bugs
DIY Control Methods
- Remove and isolate the mattresses. Dry them under hot sunlight.
- Use a plastic bag to seal the mattresses and prevent the spread of bed bugs.
Professional Pest Control Services
Call a professional to identify the bed bugs and use targeted treatments, such as chemical or heat-based methods. Their use of targeted treatment such as heat, cold, or vacuum can effectively eradicate the bed bugs – from eggs to adults.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
- Inspect your mattress, especially along seams, cracks, and crevices, to find any signs of bed bugs, such as fecal spots, shed exoskeletons, or live bed bugs.
- Invest in box spring encasements to trap bed bugs inside mattresses.
- Inspect thoroughly for signs of bed bugs when buying second-hand mattresses.
- Always maintain a clean and clutter-free bedding.
Need Professional Help?
Termite Specialist, NEA-certified pest control company in Singapore. We make sure your bed bug issues are solved in a short time manner. Call us on this number or visit our office. Get direction.
