Tips to identify bed bugs

Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products

Whether they’re in a home, office or hotel, bed bugs are a major pain. It also can be challenging to identify a bed bug infestation in its early stages. Bed bug bites can resemble bites from a range of different insects. It’s crucial to catch an infestation early, before the job becomes more time-consuming and costly, and before bed bugs have a chance to spread to other locations. Keep in mind the following:

• Check cracks and crevices, especially in the seams and tags of mattresses or cushions.
• Take a smell test: Adult bed bugs produce a musty-sweet smell.
• Adults are long, brown and flat — or balloon-shaped and reddish-brown if recently fed.
• Bed bugs can leave rusty-colored spots on bed sheets.
• Bed bug eggs are very small, about the size of a head of a straight pin.

Let customers know that taking precautions against bed bugs can save them a lot of headaches down the line. Simple things, like inspecting second-hand furniture for bed bugs before bringing it into the house, or checking the luggage rack in hotels to prevent unwanted carry-ons, can make a huge difference.