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There are few things homeowners want to hear less than, “I think we might have bed bugs.”
Just the thought of bed bugs can make your skin crawl. And because bed bugs are small, persistent, and excellent at hiding, discovering them can be stressful. But before you start throwing away mattresses, spraying every room in the house, or moving furniture around, take a breath.
The most important thing you can do when you suspect bed bugs is act quickly and carefully.
Bed bugs aren't a sign that your home is dirty. They can enter homes through luggage, used furniture, clothing, guests' belongings, and other items. They can also be found in hotels, apartments, vacation rentals, and even very clean homes.
If you suspect bed bugs, here are three important steps to take.
1. Look for the Signs—But Don't Rely on Bites Alone
The first step is figuring out whether you actually have bed bugs.
Bed bug bites can be itchy, but bites alone aren't enough to confirm an infestation. Bed bug bites can look similar to bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and other insects, and some people don't develop noticeable reactions at all.
Instead, look for physical evidence.
Check the seams and edges of your mattress and box spring. Look around your headboard, bed frame, nearby furniture, baseboards, and other cracks and crevices around where you sleep.
Some common signs include:
- Small reddish-brown or dark spots on sheets, mattresses, or furniture
- Shed skins or tiny eggs
- Live bed bugs
- A sweet, musty odor in heavily infested areas
- Small bugs hiding in mattress seams or furniture joints
Bed bugs are incredibly good at hiding. They can squeeze into very small spaces and often stay close to areas where people sleep.
If you find a bug that you believe may be a bed bug, don't simply assume that's what it is. If possible, save the specimen so a pest professional can help identify it.
The sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can develop a plan to control it.
2. Don't Make the Problem Worse Trying to Fix It Yourself
When people discover—or suspect—bed bugs, their first instinct is often to start cleaning, spraying, moving furniture, or throwing things away.
Unfortunately, some of these reactions can spread the problem.
For example, moving infested furniture or belongings from one room to another can give bed bugs additional places to hide. The EPA recommends keeping potentially infested items contained and avoiding moving them into areas that aren't infested.
Be especially careful with over-the-counter sprays and "bug bombs." Bed bug control can be complicated, and foggers should not be your only method of treatment. Improper use of foggers can also create health and fire hazards.
Instead of trying every product on the shelf, focus on preventing the infestation from spreading while you arrange for professional help.
You can begin by reducing clutter around sleeping areas, avoiding unnecessary movement of furniture and belongings, and carefully bagging items that may be infested.
If you have clothing or bedding that can safely go into a dryer, high heat can be an effective part of bed bug control. The EPA recommends drying appropriate items on high heat, and clean items should then be kept sealed so they don't become re-infested.
Most importantly, don't panic and don't start moving everything around the house.
A professional pest control company can help you determine what you're dealing with and what steps should come next.
3. Call a Professional Pest Control Company
Bed bugs aren't always a problem you can solve with one quick spray.
The EPA notes that bed bug control can take weeks or even months depending on the severity of the infestation and other factors. Successful control often involves multiple approaches and careful follow-up.
That's why professional inspection and treatment are so important.
At Country Boy Pest Control, our licensed professionals start with a thorough inspection to locate bed bug activity and potential hiding places. We check areas such as mattress seams, box springs, headboards, baseboards, furniture joints, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Once the situation has been evaluated, we can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Country Boy Pest Control has been serving Winter Haven and Polk County since 1990. We're a family-owned, locally operated pest management company, and we understand how stressful it can be when pests invade your home.
Our goal isn't simply to treat what we can see. We want to find the source of the problem and address the infestation as thoroughly as possible.
We also offer free estimates and a satisfaction guarantee, because we believe you shouldn't have to wonder whether your pest control company is going to stand behind its work.
Don't Let Bed Bugs Take Over Your Home
If you suspect bed bugs, don't ignore the signs—but don't panic either.
Start by looking for physical evidence. Avoid actions that could spread the infestation. Then call a professional pest control company that knows how to inspect and treat bed bugs.
And remember: bed bugs don't mean your home is dirty. They're hitchhikers that can enter even the cleanest homes.
The sooner you address the problem, the better your chances of getting ahead of it.
If you're seeing suspicious bites, finding dark spots on your bedding, discovering tiny bugs around your mattress, or simply have a feeling that something isn't right, Country Boy Pest Control is here to help.
We provide professional bed bug control throughout Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lakeland, and surrounding Polk County communities.
Don't lose sleep wondering if you have bed bugs. Call Country Boy Pest Control and let the professionals help you get answers—and get your home back to feeling like home.
Call Country Boy Pest Control today at (863) 356-1616 for a free estimate. Same-day scheduling is available.