It's not a pleasant thought, but bedbugs might be lurking in your home. Unfortunately, these parasites are becoming increasingly common across the U.S., and homeowners should know the signs of an infestation as soon as possible. Here are some key signs that you may have a bed bug problem and need to call a home pest exterminator right away.

1. Unpleasant Odor

Bedbugs give off an unpleasant, musty smell in the home. If you walk into any room and notice a strange odor, then it's important to investigate further, as it could be coming from bedbugs.

2. Tiny Brown Spots on Bedding and Walls

One of the telltale signs of a bed bug infestation is tiny brown spots on bedding and walls. These spots come from the bugs' blood excretion as they feed. It's often one of the first signs homeowners notice that something is wrong.

3. Stains on Bed Sheets

Unexplained stains on bed sheets can be caused by a number of things. However, they're often signs of bed bug activity. If you notice any reddish-brown stains on your sheets or mattress, then contact a home pest exterminator.

4. Bites on the Skin

Bed bugs bite humans and animals to feed, so if you wake up with unexplained bites or rashes, then you might have an infestation. You'll notice these bites on exposed areas of skin, such as arms, shoulders, and the neck.

5. Live Bed Bugs

If you're really unlucky, then you might spot live bed bugs in your home. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these creatures are usually around four to five mm long, and you may see them crawling on walls, floors, or furniture during the day. They normally hide in secluded places such as cracks in the walls or behind skirting boards after feeding, digesting their meal, and mating for five to 10 days, according to PestWorld.org.

6. Eggs and Eggshells

Bedbug eggs are tiny, white, and around 1mm in size, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. You might find these on furniture or even in cracks in the floor. The eggs normally hatch within a week, so act quickly once you spot them.

These are just a few signals that you might have a bed bug problem. If you spot any of them, then don't hesitate to contact a home pest exterminator to rid your abode of a nasty infestation. Don't wait, act now to protect your home and family! Contact our professional home pest exterminator team at Reliable Pest Control Inc today.