It's pretty alarming that 97% of pest professionals have dealt with bed bugs in the past year, which means it's crucial for you to know how to spot if these pesky critters are feasting in your home. Here are some key signs that they've been feeding:

• Look for small, red or brown fecal spots on your mattress or bedding. These marks come from the bugs' poop and tend to cluster around their hiding places.

• Check for tiny bites on your body, usually in clusters or rows. These can be itchy and irritating but might also pass for mosquito or flea bites. That's why it's essential to inspect your mattress and bedding for other signs of infestation as well.

• Examine the physical appearance of bed bugs. Adults are reddish-brown, oval-shaped insects about 4-5 millimeters long. If they haven't eaten recently, they'll look flat and thin; however, a bug that just had a blood meal will appear swollen, elongated, and darker.

If you're worried about health issues linked to bed bug infestations - like sleep disturbance and secondary infections from scratching - think about getting a new mattress. This can help get rid of potential hiding spots while giving you a fresh sleeping environment.

Keep in mind that while the brand doesn't dictate whether you'll solve an existing infestation problem, picking a high-quality mattress can contribute to better overall hygiene by reducing allergens like dust mites and mold growth.

To sum it up, spotting fed bed bugs involves identifying telltale signs such as fecal spots on bedding materials, clusters of small bites on your skin, and changes in their physical appearance post-feeding. Replacing your mattress is one way to effectively tackle these pests while ensuring you enjoy healthy sleep from here on out.

Surprisingly, 30% of bed bug bites happen when people are awake, showing that bed bugs can indeed feed on humans even if they're not asleep. However, these pests generally prefer to feed at night or when the person is inactive or unaware of their presence.

Bed bugs are drawn to body warmth and the carbon dioxide we produce while breathing. They pierce the skin and inject a small amount of saliva containing an anticoagulant and anesthetic, which allows them to feed unnoticed. This process takes about 5-10 minutes, after which they retreat to their hiding spots. Since we're less aware of our surroundings while sleeping, it's easier for bed bugs to feed undisturbed during this time. However, if conditions are favorable and you remain motionless for a longer period while awake (for example, sitting in a chair or lying down to watch TV), bed bugs might take advantage and start feeding.

If you think your mattress has been infested with bed bugs due to visible signs like reddish-brown stains from crushed insects or fecal matter, it's highly recommended that you consider replacing your mattress as a potential solution to get rid of these unwanted guests. Keep in mind that new mattresses should be encased in protective covers designed specifically for preventing bed bug infestations.

Moreover, prevention plays a crucial role in avoiding bed bug problems:

• Regularly inspect bedsheets and pillowcases for any traces of bugs or their excrement
• Wash bedding using hot water followed by tumble-drying on high heat
• Vacuum frequently around the bedroom area including carpets, upholstered furniture, and baseboards
• Reduce clutter to eliminate possible hiding spots
• Seal cracks and crevices around beds or walls where these insects may reside

In conclusion, although bed bugs primarily feed on humans during sleep hours when they're less likely to be disturbed, they can also take advantage of situations where someone remains still for extended periods while awake. Preventive measures along with replacing infested mattresses can significantly reduce the chances of encountering these pesky insects in your home environment.