Other warning signs may include:
- Tiny blood spots on sheets or pillowcases.
- Dark specks that resemble pepper on mattresses or bedding.
- Shed insect skins.
- Small pale eggs hidden in mattress seams.
- A musty odor in severe infestations.
Finding one of these signs does not always confirm bed bugs, but multiple indicators should prompt a closer inspection.
6
How Bed Bug Bites Affect People
For most individuals, bed bug bites are irritating but not dangerous. The bites typically cause itching, redness, and mild swelling. Excessive scratching can sometimes lead to skin infections.
The emotional impact may be even greater than the physical symptoms. Many people experience stress, anxiety, embarrassment, or difficulty sleeping after discovering an infestation. Even after the bugs are removed, some individuals remain hyperaware of minor skin sensations and struggle to feel comfortable in their bedrooms.
Fortunately, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans under normal circumstances.