Furniture stores and couch dealers love it when they hear the words “bed bugs” because it usually means a trip for the customers to the cash register. But, if you do have bed bugs, not all hope is lost. Here’s how to tell if you have them.
Can sleeping on the couch cause bed bugs?
Not exactly. Bed bugs aren’t born from your midnight couch snoozefests. These crafty critters stow away in luggage, clothing, or second-hand furniture. But beware! If your home is already hosting a bed bug rave, they’ll gladly crash your couch too. Here’s our post on how to prevent an infestation!
How can you tell if a couch has bed bugs?
Watch for their calling cards: tiny, dark graffiti (their droppings), blood splatters from their late-night vampire act, the funk of a musty odor, or the bugs themselves. Oh, and they’re terrible at cleaning up after their shed-a-thons – molted skin on top of your slipcovered sofa is a dead giveaway!
How long does it take to notice bed bugs?
It could take a few weeks to notice these party crashers if they’re playing it cool. But as they start to take over the joint, the signs will be as clear as a disco ball in a dark room.
Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
Sure thing! The adult bed bugs aren’t shy. They’re about the size of an apple seed, flat, and sporting a fetching shade of reddish-brown. They should be easy to spot on your modular sofas and sleeper sectionals.
How long can bed bugs live on couches?
Those suckers can stick around for months or even a year without chowing down. They’re the unwanted guests who won’t leave, even when you stop serving snacks.
What bugs live on couches?
Aside from bed bugs, you might find dust mites, fleas, the occasional cockroach or spider kicking back on your cushions. It’s like a veritable ‘Pests of the World’ convention. Make sure to clean your couch regularly and follow our comprehensive guide to sofa sprucing!
What are the tiny bugs in my couch if not bed bugs? What is biting me in my couch?
If the bugs in your couch aren’t bed bugs, you might be running a flea hotel or a mite party. Both of these little punks leave itchy, red autographs. If you think you’re hosting a pest party, best call in the professionals. Trust us, you don’t want to deal with these party animals on your own!
Think you have bed bugs? Here’s a link to our post on how to get rid of bed bugs which tells you all about bed bug treatment and what kills bed bugs instantly.