Six signs you’ve got a bedbug infestation – including tell-tale musty smell – Daily Star

Bed bugs are a very common problem but many of us may not be aware that we are sleeping with the tiny critters.

As they are pretty much invisible to the human eye, they can often be difficult to detect.

But if you do discover the crafty bugs that feast on us when we are asleep, then you really do need to get rid of them.

While they're unlikely to cause serious harm, they can cause itchy red bumps on your skin where they have taken a liking to you.

In some more serious cases of bedbug bites, the annoying little pests can cause a rash or even fluid like blisters to form.

Feeling itchy? Fear not, here are the top six indicators the pests have made a home in your bed.

According to the NHS website, there can be some obvious signs of the bedbugs which you can easily check for.

The list is as follows:

Small bugs or tiny white eggs in the crevices and joints of your mattress and furniture- use a bright torch to check

Red bite marks on your skin

Little black spots on your mattress - this could be their dried poo

Bedbeg shells - bedbugs shed their skin as they grow

Blood spots on your sheets - these can happen if you squash a bug after it has fed on you

An unpleasant musty smell in your bedroom

The NHS advises to put a damp cloth on affected areas if they do become itchy and instructs not to scratch the affected areas.

If the itching does become severe then antihistamines or mild steroid creams can subside the symptoms.

However, if you are worried you have infected wounds from the bites then a trip to your GP would be the best option.

To get rid of bed bugs, contact your local council or pest control service.

Make sure to wash affected bedding and clothing on a hot wash setting and tumble dry for at least 30 minutes.

Alternatively, put affected items into a plastic bag and freeze them to kill the critters.

It also helps to clean and vacuum your home regularly.

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Link:
Six signs you've got a bedbug infestation - including tell-tale musty smell - Daily Star