What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in Your Apartment

Finding bed bugs in your apartment can be a stressful experience, but knowing how to handle the situation quickly and efficiently can make all the difference. Bed bugs spread easily and can multiply fast if left untreated, so it’s important to act right away. If you’ve spotted signs of these pests in your apartment, here are the key steps you need to take to tackle the problem.

1. Don’t Panic, but Act Fast

While it’s unsettling to discover bed bugs, panicking won’t help. Bed bugs don’t spread diseases, but they do reproduce quickly. If you take the right steps, you can stop the infestation from getting worse. Begin by isolating the affected areas and avoid moving your belongings from room to room to prevent the bed bugs from spreading.

2. Confirm the Infestation

Before taking further steps, confirm that what you’ve found are indeed bed bugs. Common signs include:

  • Small Rust-Colored Stains on bedding, caused by crushed bugs.
  • Tiny Black Droppings near seams of mattresses or furniture.
  • Molted Skins or Eggs, often found in crevices of furniture.
  • Live Bed Bugs, which are small, reddish-brown, and flat.

If you’re unsure whether it’s bed bugs, you can schedule a bed bug inspection from a professional pest control company to confirm the infestation.

3. Notify Your Landlord or Property Manager

As a tenant, it’s essential to report the problem to your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. Bed bugs can spread between units, and your building may have protocols in place for dealing with infestations. In many states and cities, landlords are required to provide professional pest control for bed bug infestations, so reach out immediately to find out what your rights and responsibilities are.

When notifying your landlord:

Document your findings with photos of the bugs, stains, or bites.

Request prompt action to address the infestation, as delays can cause the problem to worsen.

4. Avoid DIY Treatments

It may be tempting to try DIY methods to get rid of bed bugs, but these pests are notoriously hard to eliminate without professional help. Many over-the-counter insecticides aren’t strong enough to kill bed bugs and can even scatter them to new areas of your apartment. Professional bed bug exterminators use specialized equipment and treatments, such as Whole House Heat Treatment or targeted chemical applications, to effectively eliminate all stages of bed bugs.

5. Protect Your Belongings

While waiting for professional treatment, take steps to protect your belongings:

  • Wash and dry all bedding, clothing, and linens on high heat. Bed bugs can’t survive temperatures over 120°F.
  • Seal items in plastic bags or storage bins to prevent bed bugs from spreading to other areas of your home.
  • Vacuum regularly, focusing on areas where bed bugs are likely to hide, such as mattresses, bed frames, and carpets. Be sure to empty the vacuum outside immediately after use to avoid spreading bugs.

6. Prepare for Professional Treatment

Once your landlord or property manager has arranged for professional bed bug treatment, you’ll need to prepare your apartment to ensure it’s effective. The pest control company will provide specific instructions, but common steps include:

  • Removing bedding and clothing from the infested rooms.
  • Vacuuming and cleaning surfaces to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Temporarily removing pets and people from the apartment during the treatment.

Professional treatments may include Whole House Heat Treatment, which kills bed bugs through high temperatures, or chemical treatments targeting specific areas. Both methods are highly effective when handled by trained experts.

7. Prevent Future Infestations

After the treatment, follow these tips to prevent bed bugs from returning:

  • Inspect second-hand furniture or clothing before bringing it into your home.
  • Use mattress and box spring encasements designed to protect against bed bugs.
  • Monitor your apartment regularly, especially in areas like mattresses, couches, and crevices.

It’s also important to stay in communication with your landlord and neighbors to ensure bed bugs don’t spread between units.


Finding bed bugs in your apartment is never pleasant, but by acting quickly, notifying your landlord, and arranging for professional extermination, you can stop the infestation from spreading. If you suspect bed bugs in your apartment, contact a local bed bug exterminator to schedule an inspection and treatment. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to reclaim your home from these pests.