If you ask most people what the most disgusting pest they could have infesting their home is, a large percentage would say it is bed bugs! Though they don’t spread disease like many other pests, the very idea of bugs crawling around in your bed while you sleep is enough to strike fear in anyone’s heart! Add in the fact that they also feast on human blood, and it is no wonder bed bug treatment in Knoxville is in such high demand! However, these pesky critters are also incredibly tiny, and it can be tricky to spot them. So, with that in mind, let’s look at some telltale signs that you may need to book an urgent appointment for bed bug treatment in Knoxville.

Bed Bug Bites

The most common sign that you may have a bed bug infestation is one that most people will be able to recognize - bed bug bites! Bed bugs need blood to survive and will bite humans while they sleep, as this is the easiest way to access a host. However, bed bugs are usually painless, so you are unlikely to feel the bite in the moment. It isn’t until you wake up that you may notice a red, itchy welt on your skin, which is caused by bed bug saliva and triggers an allergic reaction. Bed bug bites are not particularly harmful, but they can be uncomfortable and may get infected if you scratch them. The bites are usually concentrated on the hands and feet, but you can be bitten anywhere. If you start to notice bites on your body that were not there the night before, it is best to call for a consultation about bed bug treatment in Knoxville. Even if the bites are from another type of pest, you will still want pest control to pay a visit and handle whatever is snacking on you as you sleep!

Bed Bug Feces

A lesser-known sign of bed bug infestation is one that is a little bit more disgusting even than blood drinking! If you see red-brown stains on your bedding, mattress, or box spring, it could be caused by bed bug fecal matter. Rather than being poop in the traditional sense, bed bug feces are made up of digested blood and can bleed into the fabric, leaving dark stains that are slightly raised if on hard surfaces. To identify bed bug feces, inspect seams and folds of bedding, cracks in furniture, and along baseboards or wallpaper edges. Using a flashlight and magnifying glass can help reveal these tiny spots in less visible areas. If you suspect bed bugs, it is important to book an appointment for bed bug treatment in Knoxville as soon as possible.

Discarded Exoskeletons & Eggs

An interesting fact you might not know about bed bugs is that they shed their skin. That means if you look closely, you may find discarded exoskeletons close to your bed or other pieces of furniture. Typical hotspots are around the bed frame, mattress seams, couches, and dresser drawers, but they could be anywhere. Bed bugs tend to hide in small cracks and crevices when it is time to molt, which happens every 5 to 10 days as a juvenile develops into adulthood. Finding these discarded exoskeletons suggests that you have a growing population of bed bugs and need to make the call to arrange bed bug treatment in Knoxville sooner rather than later. Another thing to be vigilant for when checking for exoskeletons is bed bug eggs. These are very small, no more than 1mm, and white in color, so they can be very tricky to spot.

A Unique Smell

You may not notice this last sign, or at least you won’t associate it with bed bugs, but experienced pest control technicians know exactly what a sweet, musty smell indicates. A bed bug infestation often has a distinct and unpleasant musty, sweet, or moldy odor. The scent comes from the pheromones bed bugs release to communicate, as well as the scent of their feces and shed exoskeletons. In light infestations, the odor might be faint or not noticeable, but in severe infestations, it can become more pronounced and resemble the smell of rotting raspberries or coriander.

This odor may intensify in areas with large numbers of bed bugs, such as near their hiding spots (mattress seams, headboards, or furniture). If a room or area has an unusual, persistent, musty smell, especially in conjunction with other signs of bed bugs, it could indicate an infestation, and you should arrange for termite treatment in Knoxville.

In conclusion, while bed bugs may not spread diseases like some other pests, their presence in your home can be deeply unsettling and challenging to address. Recognizing the signs of an infestation—such as bites, fecal stains, discarded exoskeletons, eggs, and unusual odors—is crucial to taking swift action. If you suspect a bed bug problem, it’s important to act quickly and schedule professional bed bug treatment in Knoxville. Early detection and intervention can prevent the infestation from worsening, ensuring your home is once again a comfortable and pest-free sanctuary. Don’t let these tiny invaders disrupt your peace—contact a trusted pest control expert today!

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.