FAQs

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically found in places where people sleep or rest, such as beds, couches, and upholstered furniture.

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Common signs of bed bugs include small, rust-colored stains on your sheets or mattress, itchy red bites on your skin, and the presence of small, oval-shaped bugs or their eggs in the crevices of your bed or furniture.

Where do bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs often spread by hitching rides on clothing, luggage, furniture, or pets. They can be introduced to your home after travel, buying second-hand items, or staying in an infested area.

Can bed bugs fly or jump?

No, bed bugs cannot fly or jump. They move by crawling and can travel quickly across floors, walls, and ceilings.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, itchy welts, often in a line or cluster. They may look similar to mosquito or flea bites but are usually grouped in patterns of three or more.

Are bed bug bites dangerous?

Bed bug bites are not considered dangerous, as they do not spread diseases. However, they can cause discomfort, itching, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions.

How quickly do bed bugs reproduce?

Bed bugs reproduce quickly. A single female can lay 1-5 eggs per day, and they hatch within 6-10 days. Bed bug populations can grow rapidly if left untreated.

Can I see bed bugs with the naked eye?

Yes, adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. They are about the size of an apple seed and have a reddish-brown, flat, oval-shaped body.

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

Signs include small blood stains on your sheets, dark spots of bed bug excrement, bed bug skins or shells, and a musty odor. You may also notice live bed bugs in mattress seams or furniture crevices.

Where do bed bugs hide during the day?

Bed bugs prefer to hide in dark, undisturbed areas close to where people sleep. This includes mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and cracks in furniture or walls.

How can I check my home for bed bugs?

Check the seams of your mattress, headboards, bed frames, and upholstered furniture. Look for bed bug droppings, skins, and small, reddish-brown bugs. You may also want to hire a professional for a thorough inspection.

What are common areas where bed bugs hide?

Besides mattresses, bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices of furniture, behind picture frames, in electrical outlets, and in clothing or bedding piles.

How do I know if bed bugs are in my mattress?

Look for dark stains, exoskeletons, or eggs in the seams and folds of your mattress. Bed bugs often hide in these tight areas during the day.

Can bed bugs live in furniture?

Yes, bed bugs can live in any furniture, including couches, chairs, dressers, and nightstands. They seek out dark, enclosed spaces to hide during the day.

How do I differentiate bed bug bites from other insect bites?

Bed bug bites often appear in a line or cluster and are usually itchy. Unlike mosquito bites, which are more random, bed bug bites tend to follow a pattern.

Can I have bed bugs if I don’t see any signs?

Yes, bed bugs are excellent at hiding, so you may have an infestation even if you don't see bugs. If you’re getting bites but can't see the bugs, it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection.

What should I do if I suspect I have bed bugs?

Contact a professional bed bug exterminator immediately to confirm the infestation and create a treatment plan. Do not attempt to move infested items around, as this can spread the bed bugs.

How do bed bugs spread from one place to another?

Bed bugs spread by hitching a ride on clothing, luggage, furniture, or other personal belongings. They can also travel between apartments or homes through cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings.

Can bed bugs live in my clothes?

Yes, bed bugs can live in clothing, especially if left undisturbed for long periods. They’re more likely to hide in piles of laundry or wardrobes near sleeping areas.

What should I do if I find bed bugs in my home?

Call a professional bed bug exterminator immediately. Avoid moving infested furniture or items, as this can spread the bed bugs to other areas of your home.

How does the bed bug extermination process work?

The extermination process typically involves a thorough inspection, followed by treatment with heat, chemicals, or a combination of both to kill bed bugs at all life stages.

Do I need to leave my home during treatment?

It depends on the treatment method. For chemical treatments, you may need to leave for a few hours. Heat treatments usually allow for re-entry after the home has cooled down.

What methods do you use to exterminate bed bugs?

Common methods include Whole House Heat Treatment, chemical treatments, and bed bug fumigation. The method chosen depends on the severity of the infestation and the customer's preferences.

Is heat treatment safe for my home and belongings?

Yes, heat treatment is safe when performed by professionals. It raises the temperature of your home to levels that are lethal to bed bugs but not harmful to most household items.

What is Whole House Heat Treatment?

Whole House Heat Treatment involves heating your home to a temperature above 120°F to kill bed bugs and their eggs. It’s an eco-friendly, chemical-free method that can eliminate bed bugs in one treatment.

How does bed bug fumigation work?

Fumigation uses a gas to penetrate deep into cracks and crevices, killing bed bugs and their eggs. It’s typically used for severe infestations and may require temporary evacuation of your home.

How long does the extermination process take?

The length of treatment depends on the severity of the infestation and the method used. Heat treatment can take 4-8 hours, while chemical treatments may require multiple visits over a few weeks.

Do I need to prepare my home before the treatment?

Yes, your exterminator will provide specific instructions, but common steps include removing bedding, clothing, and personal items from the affected areas and vacuuming beforehand.

Should I wash my clothes before or after treatment?

You should wash and dry your clothes on high heat after treatment to kill any bed bugs that might be hiding in them.

Will the treatment affect my furniture?

No, bed bug treatments are safe for most furniture. Heat treatments will not damage your belongings, and chemical treatments are applied carefully to avoid damage.

Can I treat bed bugs on my own?

DIY bed bug treatments are generally not effective and can worsen the problem. It’s best to call a professional exterminator for safe and thorough removal.

How effective are DIY bed bug treatments?

DIY treatments are often not strong enough to completely eliminate bed bugs, as they hide in small crevices and can survive low-level treatments. Professional help is recommended.

How do I clean my home after treatment?

After treatment, vacuum all surfaces, especially around beds and furniture. Launder bedding and clothing on high heat, and follow any additional instructions provided by your exterminator.

Is one treatment enough to get rid of bed bugs?

In many cases, one treatment is sufficient, especially with heat treatment. However, severe infestations may require follow-up treatments to ensure complete removal.

Can bed bugs return after treatment?

Bed bugs can return if the source of the infestation is not identified or if they are reintroduced to your home. Preventive measures, such as regular inspections, can help reduce the risk.

How can I prevent bed bugs from entering my home?

Inspect luggage after traveling, avoid buying second-hand furniture without checking it thoroughly, and use protective mattress covers to prevent bed bugs from settling in your home.

What should I do if I’ve been exposed to bed bugs?

If you’ve been exposed, immediately wash and dry all clothing and belongings on high heat. Inspect your luggage and home for signs of bed bugs and schedule a professional inspection if needed.

How can I prevent bed bugs when traveling?

When staying in hotels, inspect the bed and furniture for signs of bed bugs, keep your luggage off the floor, and store your belongings in sealed plastic bags.

Can bed bugs spread from my neighbors’ homes?

Yes, in multi-unit buildings like apartments, bed bugs can travel through cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings. If your neighbor has bed bugs, consider having your home inspected.

How can I prevent bed bugs after purchasing second-hand furniture?

Thoroughly inspect and clean any second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home. Consider using steam cleaning or a professional pest control service to ensure it’s bed bug-free.

Are bed bug-proof mattress covers effective?

Yes, bed bug-proof mattress covers can prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress and make it easier to detect any signs of bed bugs early.

Can bed bugs live in my car?

Yes, bed bugs can live in cars if they’ve been transported from an infested location. Regularly inspect your car and vacuum the interior if you suspect bed bugs.

How do I protect my luggage from bed bugs when traveling?

Store your luggage on a luggage rack, away from the floor or bed, and keep it zipped. After your trip, wash all clothes and inspect your luggage for bed bugs.

Can I get bed bugs from staying in hotels?

Yes, bed bugs are common in hotels. Always inspect the bed, headboard, and furniture for signs of bed bugs before settling into your room.

How often should I inspect my home for bed bugs?

It’s a good idea to inspect your home regularly, especially after traveling or hosting guests. Look for signs of bed bugs in your mattress, bed frame, and furniture.