Are you concerned you may have bed bugs wandering around your house? Bed bugs are a major pest in Australia and have been on the rise in the last thirty years. So how can you tell if you have bed bugs? Read our article to discover three tell-tail signs which may show that you have bed bugs.

1. Bites

The easiest way to determine whether you have a bed bug infestation are bite marks. Bed bugs can leave small, itchy, red bite marks. These will generally appear when you wake up in the morning, as bed bugs are active at night. Unlike flea bites, which are generally around ankles and legs, bed bug bites can be anywhere the skin is exposed during sleep.

2. Droppings

Another easy way to tell if you have a bed bug infestation is their droppings. You may find dark or rusty spots on sheets, mattresses, clothes, bed heads or walls. These are generally located on the corners and edges of the bed. Be sure to inspect your sheets and clothes regularly. Bed bugs also shed their skin and shells as they mature. You may find their exoskeletons on your mattress.

3. The Bugs Themselves

Often bed bugs can be tricky to find. This is because they tend to hide in warm, dark areas. However, if you know where to look, you can spot bed bugs without specialised equipment. Here are some suggested areas you should focus your search:

• Mattress
• Headboard
• Bedside tables
• Any cracks/crevices such as in sheets, between the mattress and bed base and pyjamas.

Now you know whether or not you have bed bugs, its time to get rid of them. It is important to note bed bugs are very difficult to get rid of. We recommend stripping the mattress of sheets and placing these in a hot wash/dry. You should also contact a professional pest controller who can treat the bed bugs with strong, quality chemicals.

Contact Urban Pest Management on 1300 652 855 to get rid of bed bugs today.