Itchy Bites That Show Up Overnight
One of the earliest red flags is waking up with bites you didn’t go to bed with. Bed bug bites are usually small, red, and itchy. They often appear in a line or cluster on exposed skin like your arms, legs, neck, or back.
Not everyone reacts the same way to bed bug bites—some people get a rash or swelling, while others don’t react at all. But if more than one person in your household starts seeing bites, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Bed bug bites are sometimes mistaken for mosquito bites, flea bites, or even a mild allergic reaction. If the bites only appear in the morning—and especially if they follow a regular pattern—it’s time to investigate. Bed bugs tend to feed every 5 to 10 days, and bites can continue even if you don’t spot live insects.
Stains on Bedding and Mattresses
Bed bugs may be small, but they leave behind some pretty noticeable evidence. One of the more common signs is mysterious stains on your sheets, pillowcases, or mattress, especially near the seams or edges. These marks can include:
- Tiny reddish-brown or rust-colored spots
These are usually small blood stains left behind after a bed bug feeds, and you accidentally roll over and crush one in your sleep. - Dark brown or black dots
These are bed bug droppings, made up of digested blood. They tend to soak into fabric like an ink stain and can smear when touched. - Smudges or streaks
Heavier activity can result in dark streaks along mattress seams or nearby furniture as bed bugs move around and leave excrement behind.
These types of stains are most visible on light-colored bedding or mattresses, and often show up around the corners, piping, or underneath the tags. If you’re changing the sheets and something looks off, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Shed Skins and Eggshells
As bed bugs grow, they molt, leaving behind dry, tan skins that resemble the bugs themselves. You might also find tiny white eggs or broken eggshells tucked into cracks around your bed, baseboards, or furniture joints.
These remnants are a clear sign that the bed bugs have been there for a while and are reproducing.
Musty or Unusual Odor
Larger infestations may produce a musty, slightly sweet smell. It’s not always obvious, but if a room begins to smell off and you can’t figure out why, it might be time to investigate further.
Actually Seeing Bed Bugs
Spotting a live bed bug is a sure sign you’ve got an issue. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed—flat, oval, and reddish-brown. You’re most likely to find them in hidden places close to where people sleep or sit for long periods. Check:
- Mattress seams and box springs
- Behind headboards
- Inside nightstands and drawers
- Couch cushions and recliners
- Cracks in walls or flooring
They’re excellent at hiding and usually only come out at night to feed.
You Didn’t Do Anything Wrong
Let’s be clear: bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home. They’re expert hitchhikers and can be picked up from hotels, public transportation, used furniture, or even from guests who don’t realize they’re carrying them. Here in North Atlanta, with our busy travel corridors and growing population, they’re more common than you might think—even in well-kept homes.
How got bugs? Gets Rid of Bed Bugs
When it comes to bed bugs, DIY treatments just don’t cut it. At got bugs?, we use proven, professional solutions to eliminate bed bugs and help you sleep soundly again.
Thorough Inspection
We start by identifying the extent of the problem. Our team inspects beds, furniture, and potential hiding spots to locate all areas of activity.
Professional Treatment
We offer effective treatment options that kill bed bugs at every life stage—even the eggs. We’ll also give you the option of adding mattress covers.
Post-Treatment Support
After the initial service, we’ll schedule a follow-up to ensure the problem is completely resolved.
Our goal is simple: to get rid of the bed bugs completely.
Tips to Help Prevent Bed Bug Infestations
While there’s no foolproof way to guarantee bed bugs never show up, there are a few practical steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Be cautious when traveling
Inspect hotel beds and furniture before settling in. Keep your luggage on a rack, not the bed or floor. - Unpack smart
Wash clothes in hot water and dry on high heat after a trip. Of course, some fabrics cannot handle high heat, so use discretion. Vacuum your suitcase and store it away from sleeping areas. - Avoid used furniture
Think twice before bringing secondhand beds, couches, or chairs into your home. If you do, inspect seams, creases, and joints carefully. - Use mattress encasements
Protective covers for your mattress and box spring can reduce hiding spots and make bed bugs easier to spot.
Suspect Bed Bugs? Call got bugs? Today
If you live in North Atlanta and think you might have bed bugs, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to take care of the problem. Whether you’re in Roswell, Marietta, or somewhere in between, got bugs? is here to help with reliable, local expertise and long-term solutions.
Give us a call or request an inspection today. We’ll help you take back your bed—and your peace of mind.
