Bedbug infestations have become an increasing problem across the country. These pests are flat and very small, which allows them to hide in virtually any crevice of a home and go undetected for long periods of time as they reproduce at a rapid rate. Fortunately, even though they’re difficult to catch sight of, they tend to leave plenty of clues that can alert you to their presence. Here are a few telltale signs to watch for.  

How to Tell if Your Home Has Bedbugs

1. Musty Odor 

It’s more likely that you’ll smell bedbugs before you ever see them. They release pheromones as a way to attract other pests, which gives off a musty odor. You may not notice the odor if there only a few of the pests around, but when there’s a bigger infestation, the smell gets much stronger.

2. Red & Itchy Spots 

These insects are nocturnal and come out at night to eat. They inject an anesthetic before biting, so you’re not likely to feel anything, but you may wake up in the morning with red, itchy spots.

They tend to feed around the ankles, hands, and neck, and these bites will often appear in clusters or a straight line.

3. Stains on the Mattress & Bedding 

While bedbugs are feeding, it’s common for tiny droplets to transfer from the bitten area onto the sheets and pillowcases. Thus, if you start to notice inexplicable red spots on your bedding, it may be due to these unwelcome guests.

They also leave behind black or rust-colored fecal stains, which are generally found on the mattress. If you wipe these spots with a rag, they’ll smear. You might see additional droppings in other hiding areas, such as the seams of the couch, behind loose wallpaper, or in drawers.

If you suspect you have bedbugs, reach out to Midstate Termite & Pest Control Inc right away. They’ll thoroughly inspect your home and identify the best treatment option to take care of the current problem and help prevent it from returning. With locations in Cookeville and Crossville, they’ve been providing residents throughout Middle Tennessee with effective pest control solutions for more than 65 years. Call (877) 526-4222 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.