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Man Doing Pest Control in Crystal Lake, IL
If you’re concerned about pest control near Crystal Lake, bed bugs may be your worst enemy. Because they are so small, bed bugs can be harder to spot than other pests, such as mice or spiders. Keep reading for some tips to help you spot pesky bed bugs so that you can contact an exterminator or pest control service immediately.

Signs of Bed Bugs

To avoid a bed bug infestation, it’s important to check regularly for the main signs of these pests so you can contact an exterminator as soon as you see them. Signs include red or red-brown stains, which occur when the bugs are crushed, small dark spots from their excrement, and, of course, live bed bugs. These signs mainly occur on bed sheets or mattresses, so it’s a good idea to check for them whenever you change the sheets.

Bed Bug Hideouts

Bed bugs can hide in a variety of different locations. Sometimes they hang out around the bed, their main feeding spot, or in the seams of mattresses and box springs. They can also hide in small cracks in the bed, headboard, or even the wall. Remember that bed bugs are tiny—often smaller than the width of a credit card. Their size enables them to squeeze into tight places. In addition, bed bugs can travel up to 20 feet from their hideouts to feed, so make sure you check for them in areas away from the bed, too. Some favorite spots include the point where the wall and ceiling meet, curtain folds, and drawer joints.

Characteristics of Bed Bugs

Other bugs are often mistaken for bed bugs. Make sure you know what bed bugs look like before you go searching for them. Keep in mind that adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed; they can be long, brown, and flat, or rusty-colored and balloon-shaped—depending on whether they’ve eaten recently. Bed bugs are “true bugs,” meaning they have antennae, wings, and short hairs. Lastly, use your nose—bed bugs often give off an odor that can be described as musty or sweet.