Are you looking for ways on how to remove bed bug stains from your clothes, or do you think you might have a bed bug infestation? Not only will bed bugs give you itchy bites, but they also leave hard-to-remove stains on your couch, mattress, carpet, etc.
Read on to find out all about bed bug stains, like how to spot them, where you can find them, and most importantly, how to get rid of them.
What Are Bed Bug Stains?
Bed bug stains are dark spots that bed bugs leave on things like beds and mattresses when they suck blood. These stains are usually reddish-brown.
How Do I Know if a Bug Is a Bed Bug?
To be able to tell if a bug is actually a bed bug, check how they look, behaviour, and the signs they leave behind. Bed bugs are usually small, flat, and reddish-brown, similar in size to an apple seed.
They come out at night to feed on human blood, which leaves red, itchy bites marks by morning.
If there is shed skins, dark spots from faeces, or bloodstains on your beddings, then you may be dealing with a bed bug.
Check your mattress seams, bed frames, and nearby furniture for any signs of them. If you think you have bed bugs, you can get rid of them yourself, or get help from pest control experts for proper treatment.
Read also:Â The 4-Step Guide To Control Bed Bugs In Pillows
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
In addition to bed bug stains, other signs of a bed bug infestation are:
- Red, Itchy Bites: Bed bug bites cause red, itchy bumps on the skin, often in groups or lines on places like the face, neck, arms, and hands.
- Blood Stains: Look for small bloodstains on sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses. These happens when bed bugs are squashed while feeding.
- Waste Stains: If you find dark spots on your bedding, furniture, or walls, this could be from bed bug droppings.
- Shed Skins: Bed bugs shed their outer layer as they grow. Look for clear, empty skins near where they may hide.
- Musty Smell: Some people have said they smell something sweet or musty in their homes when they have a big bed bug problem. If you smell this, it could mean there are bugs around.
- Live Bugs: In very serious infestations, you may see live bed bugs on your mattress, bedding, or furniture.
Why Do Bed Bugs Leave Black Stains?
Bed bugs leave black stains because their excrement contains digested blood. After they suck blood, bed bugs digest it and then poop it out.
These black stains are their poop, which is dark because it’s full of digested blood.
They poop regularly, so these stains build up over time. You’ll find these stains on bedding, mattresses, or places where bed bugs hide. If you see these stains it might mean that you have bed bugs and need to act fast to get rid of them.
What Color Are Bed Bug Stains?
Bed bug stains are mainly dark in color, and appear as dark brown or black stains because of the digestion process that happens after they feed on blood.
If the stain is from fresh bed bug blood or from a recently fed bed bug, it could appear bright red. The color of the stain changes depending on how old the blood is and the material it’s on.
Read also:Â Do Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
Will Bed Bug Stains Just Go Away?
Bed bug stains are unlikely to just go away on their own. They are caused by bed bugs’ excrement, which can be hard to fully remove.
Depending on how bad the stain is and the type of material the stain is on, you may need special cleaning products or professional cleaning services to remove the stains.
Places One Can Find Bed Bug Stains In The Home
You can find bed bug stains in your home in places like:
- Mattresses and Box Springs
- Bedding
- Furniture
- Baseboards and Wall Cracks
- Behind Picture Frames and Electrical Outlets
- Clothing and Personal Items
- Carpets and Rugs
Do Bed Bug Stains Come Out Easily?
No, bed bug stains are hard to remove, especially if they have set into fabrics or materials.
It’s easier to clean up new stains than old ones and if you use the right cleaning products and methods, like spot cleaning with mild soap and water or getting professionals to clean it, it will be easier to get rid of bed bug stains.
How to Remove Bed Bug Stains
To remove bed bug stains from different surfaces, you can try the following methods:
On Couch:
- Vacuuming:
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush to thoroughly clean the couch, focus more the on seams, cracks, and under cushions to completely remove bed bugs, their eggs, and any dirt.
- Steam Cleaning:
Steam cleaning can kill bed bugs and also remove their stains well. Use a steam cleaner with high heat to steam the entire couch, you have to pay attention to seams and areas where bed bugs might hide.
- Spot Cleaning:
For tough stains, try spot cleaning with a mild detergent and water. Gently dab the stain with a cloth dampened with the solution, then dab with a dry cloth to soak up extra moisture.
- Professional Cleaning:
If the stains don’t go away, you can try professional upholstery cleaning. Professionals have special equipment and methods to remove stains and sanitize your couch.
On Mattress:
- Vacuuming:
Like with the couch, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush to clean the mattress and get rid of bed bugs, eggs, and dirt.
- Steam Cleaning:
Use a steam cleaner with high heat to steam clean the mattress. This will kill the bed bugs and remove stains. Make sure the mattress is totally dry before you use it again.
- Mattress Encasements:
You can try using a mattress encasement to protect your mattress from future infestations and stains. These encasements trap bed bugs and stop them from getting in or out of the mattress.
On Clothes:
- Washing:
Wash infested clothes in hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) for at least 30 minutes with laundry detergent and don’t overload the washing machine to ensure proper cleaning.
- Drying:
After washing, dry the clothes on high heat in a dryer for at least 30 minutes. The high temperature will kill any remaining bed bugs and eggs.
- Dry Cleaning:
If the cloth is delicate or dry-clean-only cloth, you can give a professional dry cleaner to help you clean. They know how to remove bed bugs and stains effectively.
Read also:Â Do I Have Carpet Beetles In Bed?
More on How To Remove Bed Bug Stains
The video below gives more insight into bed bug stain removal process
Conclusion
Getting rid of bed bug stains can be frustrating, but you can remove them effectively with the right methods.
Act fast and use the right cleaning ways to stop the stains from getting worse.
Check your bedding, furniture, and clothes often to prevent bed bugs and stains. If you can’t remove the stains, get pros to help you do it right.
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