Bed Bug Control: What to Do If You Find Them in Your Home

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging infestations to eliminate. So, when you wake up in the middle of the night itching and, in the morning, discover a trail of red dots along your arm, it can be a little more than distressing.

So, what do you do if you have a bed bug infestation? The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends six simple steps:

1. Identify the problem
2. Develop a plan
3. Keep the infestation from expanding
4. Prepare for treatment
5. Kill the bed bugs
6. Evaluate and prevent

It’s a simple plan, but it assumes you want to spend time researching and DIY exterminating your bed bug infestation. And while we agree that studying pest control is fun and engaging, you probably already have enough on your plate.

We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to tackle one more thing alone, especially something as extensive as bed bug control. There is a better way, and it’s enlisting the help of the local pest experts at Bill’s Pest & Termite Control. With the help of our trained and certified exterminators, you don’t have to stay up late worrying about parasites. We’ve done the research, we know the process, and we can eliminate the invasion—big or small—so you can feel the peace a comfortable, pest-free home brings.

So here is our modified process for bed bug removal:

1. Identify the infestation
2. Develop a plan
3. Keep the infestation from spreading
4. Prepare for professional treatment
5. Let Bill’s Pest Control handle the extermination
6. Monitor and prevent bed bugs 

Let’s take a deeper look at each step:

1. Identify the Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bug infestations can be a challenging problem to deal with. These parasites can infest any home, regardless of cleanliness. They’re attracted to human blood and can hide in small cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect. Understanding the behavior and habits of bed bugs is crucial in eliminating them.

Bed bugs are most active at night. They emerge from their hiding places to feed on human blood before retreating. They can survive for several months without feeding, which makes them a persistent problem.

To effectively control bed bug infestations, it’s essential to understand the signs. Look for:

• Small, red-brown spots or bloodstains on bed sheets
• Live bed bugs in cracks and crevices.
• Musty smell.

If you think you have a bed bug problem, it’s best to be sure before you throw away perfectly good furniture and bedding. Early detection and treatment are critical in preventing the infestation from spreading. If you suspect bed bugs but aren’t sure, our experts at Bill’s Pest Control can help you identify what kind of pest you might be dealing with.

2. Develop a Plan

Creating a plan can help you stay sane throughout the extermination process. Make sure careful records are kept of when and where you’ve seen the bugs; bed bugs hide in small cracks and crevices, such as mattresses, box springs, and furniture. 

Once your home has been treated, you will want to routinely check to make sure the bed bugs have not returned.

3. Keep the Infestation from Spreading

The last thing you want is for bed bugs to move into every room of your home, so it’s crucial to keep bed bugs from spreading. Luckily, there are several ways you can prevent your bed bug infestation from expanding:

• Seal cracks and crevices that could serve as hiding places.
• Remove items that have come in contact with the bugs.
• Use a sealed, bed bug-proof mattress encasement. 
• Vacuum frequently, and dump and discard the dirt each time.

4. Prepare to Eliminate Bed Bugs with Professional Treatment

Preparing is half the battle, and getting rid of clutter is the first step. Clutter can provide convenient hiding places for these resilient parasites, so be sure to eliminate anything that could serve as a temporary home.

Move your bed frame away from walls and other furniture, and make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and that all signs of bed bugs are gone.

As you prepare and clean your space, avoid spreading the bed bugs. Keep things contained. Anything that shares a room with the bugs should be thoroughly examined and cleaned before being moved to another area of your home.

5. Let Bill’s Pest Control Company Handle the Extermination

At Bill’s Pest Control, we understand the stress and frustration these pests cause. That’s why we offer comprehensive bed bug services. Whether your home is in need of chemical or non-chemical treatment, our exterminator team will work with you to develop a plan that is just right for your home.

Non-chemical controls are an essential part of bed bug pest management. Some non-chemical treatment and prevention strategies include:

• Heat treatments: Heat treatments involve raising the temperature of a room or entire building to a level that is lethal to bed bugs. This method targets active bed bugs as well as their eggs.
• Steam cleaning: Steam cleaning involves using a steam cleaner to kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. This method is effective in eliminating bed bugs from mattresses, box springs, and other infested furniture.
• Vacuuming: Vacuuming involves using a vacuum cleaner to remove bed bugs and their eggs from carpets, rugs, and other surfaces. This method is effective in reducing bed bug populations, but it may not eliminate them completely.

• Sealing cracks and crevices: Sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and other openings can help prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
• Reducing clutter: Reducing clutter and keeping a clean and organized home can help reduce bed bug infestations.

In most cases, a combination of non-chemical strategies and chemical treatments is necessary to fully eradicate a bed bug infestation. 

6. Monitor and Prevent

All pest infestations require follow-up, and bed bugs are no different. Getting rid of bed bugs can be challenging and often requires professional help due to their ability to hide and multiply rapidly. These infestations are particularly tough to eliminate, so it’s important to monitor your home. At Bill’s Pest Control, we offer follow-up inspections and treatments to ensure complete eradication. Our technicians will work with you to ensure your home remains bed bug-free, helping you find the peace of mind you deserve.

When it comes to bed bugs, quick action and professional expertise make all the difference. DIY solutions may seem tempting, but these resilient parasites require special methods for complete extermination.

At Bill’s Pest & Termite Control, we take the stress out of bed bug removal with treatments designed specifically for your home and its unique needs. From identification to prevention, our team is here to restore your peace of mind—so you can sleep soundly again. If you suspect bed bugs, don’t wait—give us a call today! Let’s take back your home together!