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Bed bugs can be a real nuisance as they have a knack for getting around and reproducing quickly. Whether you own a home or work in the hospitality industry, it's important to get the right bed bug treatment to avoid an infestation. Missing just one bed bug hiding spot can lead to their numbers growing again and turning into a full-blown bed bug infestation.
Proper bed bug treatment is essential when battling a bed bug problem. Effective bed bug control involves a combination of preventive measures, early detection, and targeted treatments. At Ehrlich, our technicians use the latest methods for bed bug inspections and treatment methods to keep you and your home or business free from these biting pests.
Understanding bed bugs
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs small, reddish-brown parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are approximately the size of an apple seed, with flat bodies that allow them to hide in cracks and crevices. These pests are often found in mattresses, bed frames, box springs, and behind baseboards. Although bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause itchy, uncomfortable reactions for homeowners and hotel guests alike.
Common signs of bed bug infestations
Identifying a bed bug infestation early is critical for controlling the spread. Common signs of an infestation include:
- Bites: Bed bugs often leave small, red bites that are itchy and may appear in a line or cluster on exposed skin.
- Blood stains: Look for reddish-brown stains on bedding or mattresses.
- Fecal spots: Bed bugs leave small, dark spots of excrement on bedding, mattresses, and walls.
- Eggs and shells: Bed bug eggs and shed skins may be found in crevices, along mattress seams, or in furniture.
- Musty odor: A strong, unpleasant smell can sometimes indicate a severe infestation.
How do bed bugs spread?
Understanding where bed bugs come from can help prevent an infestation, as these pests often hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or furniture. Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers and can be transported into your home through various means. They are often introduced in luggage after stays in infested hotels and can also arrive in secondhand furniture, particularly mattresses and couches. Guests and visitors regularly spread bed bugs via clothing, bags, or luggage.
Bed bug extermination process
Professional pest control services like Ehrlich are essential for effective bed bug removal. Let’s look at what you can expect from the bed bug extermination process.
Inspection methods for bed bugs
Ehrlich technicians specialize in bed bug control. They are equipped with advanced tools to conduct accurate and thorough inspections, allowing them to create effective treatment plans. Your technician will carefully examine the area via a visual bed bug inspection by using passive or active bed bug detection devices or with the help of a specifically trained canine scent detection team to look for any signs of bed bugs.
- Visual bed bug inspection - Although bed bugs are difficult to see with the naked eye, our trained bed bug technicians can find evidence of the telltale signs of bed bugs through experience and expertise, and by looking for the telltale signs of bed bugs.
- Passive bed bug detection devices - Our skilled technicians may strategically set up passive detector devices in potential hiding spots where bed bugs may lurk. Our passive devices do not attract bed bugs; rather, our technician will place them in locations where they can be used to intercept and capture bed bugs as they travel to sleeping and resting areas.
- Active bed bug detection devices - Unlike passive devices, active bed bug detection devices actively lure bed bugs using attractants such as carbon dioxide, heat, and other products that mimic human pheromones. Our technicians will place these devices in suspected activity areas to entice bed bugs from their hiding places, providing evidence of a bed bug infestation.
- Canine scent detection - Here at Ehrlich, we're proud to have some of the best bed bug-detecting dogs around! Our canine scent detection teams are highly trained and work alongside our technicians to quickly and efficiently locate any pesky bed bugs in your home.
*This type of inspection is only available in certain locations. Contact us to see if our Canine Teams service your area.
Effective bed bug treatment options
Exterminators use a variety of methods to eliminate bed bugs based on the severity of the infestation.
Heat treatments
Heat treatment is a highly effective, eco-friendly method that eliminates bed bugs by raising the temperature in the infested area to lethal levels. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 118°F, making heat a popular choice for complete eradication. This method can often exterminate bed bugs in a single treatment.
Chemical sprays
Chemical treatments involve applying insecticides to kill bed bugs on contact. Our pest control experts use professional-grade products that are not available to the general public, ensuring greater effectiveness. These treatments often require multiple applications and may be used in conjunction with other methods.
Steam treatments
Steam treatments use high-temperature steam to kill bed bugs and their eggs. This approach is especially useful in treating mattresses, box springs, and furniture where bed bugs are commonly found.
What to expect during the extermination process
Our bed bug inspections are conducted by licensed technicians who specialize in identifying and treating bed bug infestations. Here’s what you can expect when you schedule a bed bug inspection:
Before your inspection begins, one of our licensed technicians will have a discussion with you to understand your concerns and gather relevant information about the suspected bed bug activity. Your technician will explain the inspection process thoroughly and address any concerns you may have.
Your technician will conduct a thorough inspection of the areas where bed bug activity is suspected. This includes checking the beds, mattresses, box springs, and nearby furniture where bed bugs may hide. The technician will carefully look for any indications of bed bugs, such as live bugs, shed skins, eggs, and fecal spots.
After inspection, your technician will give you a detailed report based on their findings. It will cover severity, contributing factors, treatment plan, and cost tailored to the specific needs of your situation.
During the bed bug extermination process, your Technician will apply treatments tailored to the infestation’s severity and location. You may need to vacate your home temporarily, particularly if heat treatments or chemical sprays are used (we will, of course, give you full details of what to expect prior to the treatment). Depending on the treatment methods used, the extermination process may take several hours to complete.
How to prepare for a bed bug treatment
Preparing for bed bug extermination can make the process smoother and more effective. First, remove clutter from the infested rooms to allow for a thorough treatment. Then, launder all bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Finally, vacuum all areas, especially crevices and corners, to remove any bed bugs or eggs.
Preventing bed bug infestations
Taking preventive steps can help you avoid a bed bug problem in the future.
Tips to avoid bringing bed bugs home
- After traveling, inspect your luggage for signs of bed bugs
- Carefully examine used furniture, mattresses, and other items before bringing them home
- When traveling, keep your belongings elevated and off the floor in your hotel.
Monitoring and regular inspections
Regularly inspecting your bedding, mattresses, and furniture for signs of bed bugs can help detect an infestation early. Monitoring tools like bed bug traps can also provide early warnings.
The importance of professional preventative services
Engaging professional pest control services for regular inspections and preventive treatments can help keep bed bugs at bay. Ehrlich offers ongoing services that include inspections and treatments to safeguard your home or business.
Why choose Ehrlich for bed bug control?
Ehrlich has decades of experience carrying out comprehensive bed bug control services with proven effectiveness.
Expertise and experience in bed bug removal - With years of experience, Ehrlich technicians are trained to handle even the most severe infestations. Their expertise ensures that bed bugs are eradicated efficiently and safely.
Safe and eco-friendly treatment options - Wherever possible, Ehrlich emphasizes environmentally friendly solutions, including heat treatments that avoid chemicals.
Comprehensive inspection and treatment plans - Ehrlich provides thorough inspection and treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each customer, ensuring complete bed bug removal.
Ongoing protection with PestFree365+ - Ehrlich’s PestFree365+ plan offers continuous protection, with regular inspections and treatments to prevent bed bug infestations and other pest problems year-round.
Need help with bed bug removal?
To put it simply, bed bugs can spread fast, quickly infesting your entire property. Without proper bed bug control, one missed bed bug can turn into a new infestation in no time. If you don’t get a suspected bed bug problem treated and controlled, you could end up with a severe infestation.
Though they do not transmit diseases, bed bugs feed on human blood and will leave you with irritating bed bug bites on your skin. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact us to schedule a free inspection.
For more information about these particularly disruptive bugs, see more bed bug facts in our Pest Insights section.
Frequently asked questions
Can bed bugs be exterminated?
Bed bugs can be effectively exterminated with the right combination of bed bug control methods and professional expertise.
How do exterminators get rid of bed bugs?
Exterminators use a variety of methods, including heat, steam, and chemical treatments, to eliminate bed bugs. Each treatment is selected based on the infestation’s severity and the specific requirements of the affected area.
How long does bed bug extermination take?
The time required for extermination varies based on the treatment method and infestation severity. Heat treatments may be completed in a few hours, while chemical treatments may require multiple visits.
How much does bed bug extermination cost?
Costs for bed bug extermination depend on factors like infestation size, location, and treatment type. Contact Ehrlich today to schedule a free inspection and get a quote.
Can you get rid of bed bugs without an exterminator?
While DIY methods are available, they are generally less effective than professional treatments. Home remedies for bed bugs, such as cleaning and vacuuming, may help reduce numbers but are unlikely to eradicate the entire infestation.
How do you prepare for bed bug extermination?
Preparing for treatment includes decluttering, washing bedding, and following any additional instructions provided by the exterminator to ensure successful treatment.
What to do after an exterminator sprays for bed bugs?
After a chemical treatment, avoid vacuuming or cleaning treated areas for a few days to allow the insecticide to work effectively.
How long after extermination do bed bugs die?
Bed bugs begin to die within hours of treatment, but complete extermination can take up to two weeks, as residual effects continue to work on remaining pests.