Bedbugs aren’t always easy to detect. These little critters are small and infiltrate a variety of fabrics, including clothes, upholstery, and bedsheets. Thankfully, professional bedbug removal eliminates them at all stages of life. Use the following guide to determine whether you may be facing an infestation.

How to Know If You Need Bedbug Removal

1. Itchy Red Spots

Bedbugs feed off the blood of animals and people. They can travel through clothing and usually bite in straight lines, leaving behind tiny red spots that itch. If you or a loved one wakes up with these markings, check the seams of your mattresses for tiny dots.

2. Previous Infestations

You should always schedule an inspection when a close friend, neighbor, or family member mentions that they’ve had a recent infestation. Bedbugs travel through clothing, so a visitor can drop some off at your place. 

3. Dark Brown Smudges

Check your mattresses every time you change the sheets. Bedbugs produce dark red excrement that can stain your bedding. Unlike most types of stains, these marks will smudge when you try to wipe them.

4. Visible Movement

While small, live bedbugs are not invisible. Adult insects are about the same size as an apple seed, so it’s possible to spot them when checking your bed.

However, they are nocturnal and move deep into the affected fabrics when daylight appears. Try turning on the lights before going to bed and look for signs of movement. Shine a flashlight along the surface of the sheets to provide additional brightness.

If you notice one or more of these signs, reach out to Gateway Thermal Solutions LLC. Serving St. Charles County, St. Louis, and St. Louis County, these bedbug exterminators have more than 32 years of experience providing effective heat treatments. They offer a 60-day no-fault warranty to ensure the pests are gone for good. Call (314) 488-7559 to request an estimate on bedbug removal.