Essential Bed Bug FAQs

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

In the early stages of a bed bug infestation, it can be very difficult to find the signs.  Many people have no reaction to bites, so looking at bites may result in a false identification.  Our team looks primarily for spotting (feces), castings (shed exoskeletons), eggs, and of course the bed bugs themselves.  These signs can be found in numerous areas surrounding places you spend time in your home. 

Beds, chairs and couches are the most common places to search along with other furniture or specific building materials, etc.  A trained professional who specializes in bed bug inspections should be your first call if you suspect there may be bed bugs in your home.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Everyone reacts to bed bug bites differently. We see just as many people who have no reaction whatsoever as we do people with symptoms. While it is widely accepted that clusters of bites, 3 to 5 in a line or semi-circle is a sign of bed bugs, you should not use this to definitively identify a bed bug problem. A professional inspection should be performed to positively identify an issue.

Where do bed bugs come from?

In many cases, it is impossible to identify where an infestation may have begun. Bed bugs are most commonly transferred through contact with infested furniture, used books, clothing, etc. If you have recently purchased anything used and have begun to see bites or other signs, that may be a red flag.

People who work in certain fields such as in home care, nursing, physical therapy, etc. can be at higher risk due to their working proximity to people and their homes.

Why do you use heat instead of insecticides?

Bed bugs are formidable pests. We have seen strains of bed bugs resistant to EVERY insecticide on the market today. While new products are being developed constantly in an effort to combat this, we do not trust a single one currently on the market that can eliminate an infestation in its entirety.

We have tested nearly every product available and have concluded that heat remains the only 100% effective option. Our proprietary method eliminates the many faults often seen in heat treatments of the past and allows us to provide a treatment we can stand behind and warranty fully.

Do Ultrasonic, plug in repelling products work?

They don’t work. Period. Not effective at all. Worse, if they did then you would be repelling the bed bugs deep into walls and in an apartment situation, you would just chase them to the neighbors. Don’t waste your money

Will UV lights eliminate bed bugs?

Bed bugs nest in dark recesses of furniture, in walls, under carpet, etc. For this reason alone, UV light is not effective. UV sanitizing lights can also damage certain materials and cause numerous other issues. We would never trust or reccomend such a product.

Will I have to throw away all of my furniture?

The short answer is no. Unless your home or apartment is extremely cluttered, there is no need to dispose of any furniture items in order for our treatment to be successful. Our treatment will not eliminate signs of the previous infestation, but we can ensure that all bed bug life cycles are eliminated, so you to move on. That said, if you’re uncomfortable using the furniture knowing it will still likely have signs of the infestation along with dead bed bugs, we would recommend disposal and replacement.

Where do bed bugs nest?

Bed bugs can nest nearly anywhere It is a common misconception that bed bugs only nest in furniture or fabrics. We find bed bugs in nearly every nook or cranny they can find their way into, including wood, wall receptacles, electronics, and houseplants.

We have more than once found bed bugs nesting in the dimple where the air fill valve is located on a medicine ball. Bed bugs have been known to nest anywhere within about 35 feet of a meal. This means your entire home needs to be treated properly to ensure success.

Can you see bed bugs?

Bed bugs are typically 1 mm in length. A bed bug freshly hatched from the egg will be slightly smaller, tan/straw colored, and very difficult to see, especially on certain materials. Once fully grown, bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They are a dark auburn color and much easier to see.

Do bed bugs carry disease?

Thankfully, current research shows that bed bugs do noy carry diseases or spread them through their bite. Certain blood born pathogens CAN survive in the blood after feeding for a certain period of time. If a bed bug is smashed and blood is exposed, you should take safety precuations, like other siutations involving blood.

When are bed bugs active?

Bed bugs tend to avoid light and movement. For this reason, they are primarily active at night. They will, however, seek out a meal whenever the opportunity presents itself. If you have a well-established infestation, it’s not uncommon to find bed bugs moving around during the day.

We were treated by another company but want to be sure the issue is gone. What should we do?

No matter who performs a bed bug treatment, you should keep an eye out for any signs that the bugs may still be lingering. If you suspect the issue may not be resolved, call for an inspection. After a treatment, you need an extremely well trained eye to catch lingering bugs.