Sleep Without Wondering What’s in Your Mattress

These are some common signs of bed bug infestation:

1. Reddish or Rusty Stains: Look for tiny reddish or rusty stains on bed sheets, mattresses, or pillowcases. These stains can be either bug droppings or blood smears from crushed bugs. Check for blood stains along the seams of your sheets or mattress, as this is where bed bugs often congregate.
2. Small, Oval-shaped Bugs: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, flat, and reddish-brown in color.
3. Skin Bites or Rashes: Unexplained rashes or red, itchy bite marks, often in a row or cluster, can be a tell-tale sign of bed bug activity.
4. Nighttime Activity: Bed bugs are mostly active at night, so if you see bugs or feel bites primarily between 3am and 8am, that's a strong indication of bed bug activity.

While itchy and unpleasant, bed bug bites do not commonly spread disease. Like any skin injury, there is a small risk of secondary infection.

Bed bug control is a challenge because bed bug eggs are laid deep within crevices, putting them out of reach of the chemical treatments or high heat used to kill the adults.

As professional bed bug exterminators, we understand the life cycle of bed bugs and use that to our advantage. Any eggs which survive the original bed bug treatment process will hatch within 10 days. The young bed bugs, known as nymphs, require three weeks to reach adulthood.

As long as your follow-up treatment takes place within this time period, the young bugs will not have had time to lay eggs of their own.

While bed bugs are best known for infesting beds, they are equally happy in couches, baseboards, desks, and any small dark space near our sleeping quarters. Our pest management professionals will perform an in-depth assessment of any infested rooms, seeking out their hiding spots and ensuring that none escape our notice.

Most bed bug infestations come from travel. If you spend the night in a hotel room which is infested with bed bugs, these pests may follow you home – hitching a ride in your suitcase! Bed bugs also can show up when purchasing second hand furniture or bedding.

When Traveling:

1. Inspect Accommodations: Always check hotel beds, headboards, and furniture for signs of bed bugs before settling in.
2. Use Luggage Racks: Elevate your luggage on a rack away from the bed and wall to minimize the chances of bugs crawling in.
3. Check Your Items: Before leaving, inspect your luggage and belongings for any signs of bed bugs.
4. Hot Wash: Upon returning home, wash all your clothing in hot water.

When Acquiring Used Items:

1. Inspect Thoroughly: Check used furniture, bedding, and clothing for evidence of bed bugs before bringing them into your home.
2. Isolate and Treat: If possible, keep second-hand items in a sealed plastic bag and treat them for bed bugs before introducing them to your living spaces.

At Home:

1. Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect bedding, mattresses, and furniture seams for signs of bed bugs, fecal spots, or eggs. Use a flashlight for better visibility.
2. Use Protective Covers: Use bed bug-proof mattress cover and pillow encasements to make it difficult for bed bugs to hide and breed.
3. Declutter: Reduce clutter around the home to minimize hiding spots for bed bugs.
4. Clean Bedding: Wash and dry your bed linens regularly on the highest heat setting possible.
5. Vacuum Frequently: Regular vacuuming can help to pick up bed bugs before they establish themselves. Be sure to promptly dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
6. Seal Cracks: Fill in cracks in the walls, floors, and moldings where bed bugs can hide.