How to Tell You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

March 28, 2023

The last thing anyone wants is bed bugs in their home, but they're often hard to detect until it's too late. Many people don't even realize they're dealing with an infestation until the bugs have had time to spread throughout the house. Read on to tell if you have a bed bug infestation.

1. Inspect Your Bed

Mattresses and bedding are a main hotspot for bed bugs, so it's a great place to start your inspection. Take off the sheets and look for any small red spots. These could be blood spots left behind after their meal. Inspect all the seams of your mattress and box spring, as well as any other furniture nearby, such as bedside tables. Look closely for signs of eggs or shed skin for an indication that the bugs are living in the area.

2. Inspect Other Areas of Your Home

After inspecting your bed, do the same in other areas, like the carpet and furniture. These critters can hide in any dark crevice, so look under furniture, behind picture frames, and inside closets or drawers where they may be hiding. The bugs will also leave red spots or eggs in these areas.

3. Check for an Unusual Odor

These bugs secrete an unpleasant smell when they are disturbed. If the area around your bedroom has an odd or musty odor, it could indicate a bed bug infestation. This odor is subtle and may be difficult to detect.

4. Look for Signs of Bites

Only 30% of humans show signs of bed bug bites after being bitten, according to Forbes, so this isn't foolproof. Look for any unusual red spots or welts on your body and check if they are itchy. If you find signs of bites, that's a surefire sign that you have an infestation.

5. Contact a Professional

If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control professional. They'll fully go over your home for signs of bed bugs. You'll need such an exterminator to rid your home of them.

Bed bugs are a disgusting nuisance you don't need to put up with. No one should have to wake up with bites or deal with a bad bug odor! Contact our local pest control services at Rocky Mountain Bed Bug so we can ensure your home remains critter free.

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3 Reasons Why DIY Bed Bug Solutions Fail—and What Actually Works

January 15, 2026

Dealing with a bed bug infestation is a nightmare no one wants to face. Yet, many homeowners resort to DIY solutions that often lead to disappointing results. While the lure of a quick fix is tempting, it's important to understand why these home remedies frequently fall short and discover what truly works to rid your home of these persistent pests. 1. The Challenge of Proper Identification The first reason DIY solutions often fail is the difficulty in positively identifying bed bugs. Bed bugs are wingless and reddish-brown in color, ranging from 1mm to 7mm in size, which is roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny, according to the CDC. Identifying these tiny pests can be a challenge, and inaccurate identification can lead to the use of inappropriate treatments, wasting time and resources. 2. The Limitations of Incomplete Treatments Another pitfall of DIY methods is the patchy application of treatments, which rarely target all life stages of the bed bugs. For instance, bed bug eggs can be particularly resilient and are often missed by amateur treatments. This means that even if the adult bed bugs are killed, the eggs can hatch and continue the infestation cycle. To effectively stop an infestation, professional interventions that reach into cracks and crevices are necessary to eliminate eggs, nymphs, and adults alike. 3. The Ineffectiveness of Over-the-Counter Chemicals Lastly, many DIY solutions rely heavily on chemical products that are not potent enough to eradicate an entire infestation. Over-the-counter sprays and repellents might kill a few visible bugs, but bed bugs often hide deep within furniture and walls, evading these superficial treatments. In contrast, professional pest control services employ specialized equipment and strong, targeted insecticides that can penetrate these hidden areas, ensuring a thorough extermination. In conclusion, while DIY bed bug solutions may seem appealing due to their cost-effectiveness, they frequently fail due to factors like misidentification, partial treatment application, and ineffective chemicals. To truly deal with the issue, it's wise to consult professional pest control services that have the expertise and tools necessary for complete eradication. By doing so, homeowners can save time, resources, and ensure peace of mind, knowing they're sleeping in a bed bug-free environment. Be sure to reach out to Rocky Mountain Bed Bug today for more information on our professional bed bug services !