Bed bugs warning: Spotting any of these foursigns could mean you have an infestation

Bed bugs are parasites which are easily picked up on trains, planes or in hotels, spreading into one’s home. It takes roughly around seven weeks for a bed bug to grow from an egg to an adult. There are four signs warning you may have a bed bug problem.

Seeing shells or casings from the bed bugs

Spotting shed skin in or around the bed is one of the biggest signs you may have a bed bug infestation.

This cast skin is the moulted exoskeleton of the bug and indicates a bed bug infestation may be happening in your home.

The moulting process leaves noticeable bed bug evidence which again can be found on your sheets or pillowcases.

Bed bugs develop through five stages of maturing before embarking on full adulthood and at each immature stage, bed bugs moult after a blood meal leaving their evidence behind.

A certain odour

Smelling an unusual smell emanating from the bedroom could mean you’re at risk of an infestation.

Terminix said: “Like many species of bugs, bed bugs release odours called pheromones.

“When a group of bed bugs gets disturbed, you may be able to smell that odour.

“Other smells could be a coriander smell, or a sweet, musty odour.”

What to do if you notice any of these four warning signs

The first thing one needs to do if they suspect they have an infestation is to clean up all the places where they may be living.

Clean bedding, linens, curtains and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting.

Use a stiff brush to scrub mattress seams to remove bed bugs and their eggs

Vacuum the bed and surrounding area frequently

Encase mattress and box springs with a tightly woven cover to keep them out

Repair any cracks in the plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to ensure they can not get into the tiny spaces again.