How to Check for and Identify a Bed Bug Infestation

Summertime in Salt Lake City is glorious, with its warm, sunny days and mountain adventures. But as the temperatures rise, so do the risks of pesky house guests (and we don’t mean your in-laws).

If you’ve started waking up with mysterious bites or noticing strange rust-colored spots on your sheets, you might have a bed bug infestation. 

At proof. Pest Control, we’re here to help you identify bed bug signs, understand how to check for bed bugs, and offer professional bed bug treatment to keep your home bite-free. 

How to Check for and Identify a Bed Bug Infestation 

Bed bugs aren’t exactly great at staying hidden, and if you know how to check for bed bugs, you’ll likely spot some pretty revealing evidence. 

Here are the major bed bug signs to watch out for in your home, and most importantly, your bed:

• Rusty or reddish spots on sheets or mattresses
• Tiny, oval-shaped eggs or shed skins around mattress seams or box springs
• A sweet, musty odor coming from infested areas 
• Small, itchy, red bites on your skin often clustered in a line or zig-zag pattern

It’s easy to dismiss bites or strange marks as nothing, but avoiding the issue only gives bed bugs more time to multiply. 

And don’t just check your mattress. These hitchhiking pests can take up residence in your rugs, furniture, and even electrical outlets. 

Telltale Signs of Bed Bugs on Your Mattress 

Mattresses are the VIP lounge for bed bugs. If you suspect an infestation, start by flipping up your mattress and inspecting seams, corners, and underneath the tags.

Look for these unmistakable signs in addition to bites on your body: 

• Tiny bed bugs look like apple seeds: brown, oval, and about 4-5mm long. 
• You may also spot their eggs (pearl white and about 1mm) or their translucent, yellow-ish molted skins.   

Checking your mattress thoroughly can save you weeks (or months) of frantic googling “Salt Lake City pest control,” especially if you catch the problem before it spreads.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like, Anyway?

If you’re not sure what bed bugs look like, prepare for a crash course. These pests are small but mighty and incredibly sneaky. 

Adult bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown, and about the size of a lentil, making them easy to miss. After a meal of your blood (gulps dramatically), they expand and turn a darker shade of red. 

Pro tip: don’t confuse bed bugs with other bugs. Carpet beetles, bat bugs, and small cockroach nymphs are common misidentified lookalikes. For peace of mind, rely on professional bed bug treatment to confirm the culprit. 

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide? 

Bed bugs aren’t just mattress crashers. Beyond your bed, look for them in these hotspots around your home or apartment in Salt Lake City:

• Seams of your couch or chairs 
• Under rugs or in carpet fibers 
• Cracks in walls or headboards 
• Behind picture frames or wallpaper 
• Inside luggage, backpacks, or even books 

And remember, these pests travel. Whether it’s through secondhand furniture, hotel stays in downtown Salt Lake, or even public transportation, bed bugs are notorious for hitching rides from one spot to another. 

The Importance of Professional Bed Bug Extermination 

DIY solutions often fail to completely eliminate bed bugs, and these resilient pests are pros at dodging homemade traps and sprays. At proof. Pest Control, we’ve seen it all. Our professional bed bug treatment involves more than just removing visible insects. We target every stage of their life cycle, including eggs that are often missed during DIY attempts. 

Why is this important? Because a single egg can hatch into an infestation nightmare in just weeks! Our Salt Lake City pest control experts use tailored treatments designed to find, eliminate, and prevent bed bug infestations, guaranteed. Plus, we provide education to help you prevent bed bugs from coming back.

Did You Know? 

The average female bed bug lays between 200 and 500 eggs in her lifetime. That means for every bug you see, there could be hundreds more waiting just out of sight! Bed bugs can also survive for several months without feeding. Talk about a commitment to their cause. 

Expert Salt Lake City Pest Control by proof. 

We understand how stressful a bed bug infestation can be. At proof. Pest Control, we’re here to help Salt Lake City residents regain their peace of mind and comfort.

Our tailored, professional bed bug treatment means your home is carefully inspected, fully treated, and then monitored to make sure every last bug is gone. 

Don’t wait for itchy bites to ruin your summer. Banish bed bugs from your home with proof. Pest Control, Salt Lake City’s pest control experts! 

Don’t sleep with one eye open. Get started today.

FAQ

How do I know if I have bed bugs? 

Look for key bed bug signs such as itching, red bites, rust-colored stains on your bedding, eggs, or molted skins. Check all furniture, not just your bed! 

What do bed bugs look like? 

Adult bed bugs are flat, brownish-red, and about 4-5mm, resembling an apple seed. Their eggs are white and as tiny as a pinhead. 

Can I get rid of bed bugs myself? 

While DIY methods may help temporarily, they are usually not effective long-term. Professional bed bug treatment ensures proper elimination and peace of mind. 

How do I prevent bed bugs in Salt Lake City? 

Inspect secondhand furniture, wash bedding in hot water regularly, and schedule a home inspection with proof. Pest Control if you suspect an issue.