How do you know if you have bed bugs?

What's the deal with bed bugs? How do you know if you have them?

• I've seen three (one on my pillow, one by my window, and one in the bathtub??) and have some itchy spots on my body. I've washed all the sheets and checked the mattress. I don't see any of those spots that I've read about. The the bites I have are somewhat "linear" and grouped and reaaaally itchy. Right now they're on my neck and chest. I had a few random ones on my legs and arms but they were alone, and had no pattern. I've lived in this new apartment for a month now and it's started only a few weeks ago (say 2). Is it possible to have just a few bed bugs? Are they definately bed bugs? There are no signs of blood spots or droppings or dead bugs anywhere. I've literally only seen 3 so I don't know what to think! Help!

• Answer:

  I'm thankful to have never had bed bugs but anyone can get them. I watched a special recently on bed bugs and they said the only way to get rid of them is the pest control companies. You will also have to place your mattress in a plastic bag [like the ones they come in], tape all holes and tape it closed. Place it somewhere in the sun in the heat. Leave it for 24 hrs. and place all bedding and pillows in another bag. Put all bags in the hot sun this will suffocate the bugs and clear your home of the pesky creatures. If you had a bad case you would have to re-treat the house/ apt. Below is a site with images of bed bugs. You might want to check them out to see if that is what you have. Good Luck and thanks for the question.