How to Check for Bedbugs

By Renee Garcia

Do you know when to start inspecting for bedbugs?

Sleepless nights can be caused by a lot of things. But if you see bite marks in the morning, you have to identify the specific insect that is causing them. Mosquito bites are like bedbug bites because both are pinkish to red in color.

Bedbug bites can either be raised or flat and these usually have a pattern. For example, you will find 4 or more bites in a row. When a bedbug is disturbed during feeding, it usually moves a bit farther from its initial position, causing the pattern.

The bedbug bites also cause itching and burning. Although the bites do not cause any disease, the itching and burning can bring discomfort. For treatment, topical corticosteroids are the most effective. These relieve the burning and itching as well as make the bite marks disappear.

Antihistamines or systemic corticosteroids are also used for the burning and itching. These medicines cannot make the bite marks disappear faster.

After establishing that the bite marks came from bedbugs, it is time to check for the existence of the insects. First you must know when the bite marks usually appear. And it is important for you to know where you slept. If you slept on your bed and woke up with the bite marks, you must start checking the mattress. Look for crevices or cracks. Look for red and brown spots also. The red spots came from the blood of the crushed insects. And the brown spots came from their fecal matter.

After the mattress, check for bedbugs in other areas of the room. Check the carpet, flooring, walls, bedpost, furniture, drawers, and dressers. Yes, you have to check every nook and cranny. Look for cracks and crevices. These can be hiding places of bedbugs.

Remember, when you have identified a certain area as the site of infestation, nothing must come out of that room. You might transfer the bedbugs somewhere else. After you check for bedbugs, getting rid of them is the next step. - 30446

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