Bed bugs are a growing problem in both residential homes and commercial properties, and they can be found just about anywhere. These tiny pests are notorious for hiding in mattresses, furniture, carpets, and even electrical outlets. Unlike other pests, bed bugs don’t discriminate, they infest luxury hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, and single-family homes alike.
The key to keeping them away is knowing how to identify them, remove them effectively, and take the necessary steps to prevent their return.
How to Identify Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are about the size of an apple seed and can hide in the tiniest of spaces. If you suspect you have bed bugs, look for these signs:
- Small, rust-colored stains on mattresses or sheets (a result of crushed bed bugs or their excrement).
- Tiny white eggs or eggshells in crevices and seams of furniture.
- Shed skins from bed bugs as they grow.
- A musty odor in infested areas.
- Red, itchy bites on your skin, often appearing in a line or cluster.
- Ink-like marks along bed seams and mattresses, making a light-colored mattress beneficial for easier inspection.
Since bed bugs are nocturnal, they tend to come out at night to feed. If you wake up with bites but don’t see any pests, you might have an infestation.
How to Remove Bed Bugs?
Eliminating bed bugs requires a thorough approach since they are incredibly resilient and good at hiding. Here’s what you can do:
1. Deep Clean Your Home
Start by washing all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and drying them on the highest heat setting. High heat kills bed bugs at all life stages. Vacuum your mattress, carpets, and furniture regularly, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum filter.
2. Declutter to Reduce Hiding Spots
Bed bugs love clutter. Reducing unnecessary items around your home will eliminate many of their hiding spots, making it easier to control the infestation.
3. Use Bed Bug-Proof Mattress Covers
Special mattress and box spring encasements can trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from biting and eventually starving them to death. These covers also make it easier to spot new infestations.
4. Apply Steam Treatment
Heat is one of the most effective methods for killing bed bugs. Using a steam cleaner on infested furniture, carpets, and mattresses can help eliminate them without the need for harsh chemicals.
5. Call Phantom Pest Control’s K9 Bed Bug Detection Service
Avoid using insecticides and over-the-counter products, as they can push bed bugs deeper into the walls, making infestations harder to control. Instead, contact Phantom Pest Control to send out our K9 bed bug detection dog, which has a 95% higher success rate at identifying bed bug activity than human inspections.
Tips to Prevent Future Infestations
Once you’ve removed bed bugs from your home or business, taking preventive steps is crucial to avoid a repeat infestation.
1. Inspect Second-Hand Furniture
Before bringing used furniture, mattresses, or even clothing into your home, inspect them thoroughly for bed bugs or signs of infestation.
2. Be Cautious When Traveling
Hotels and public transportation can be hotspots for bed bugs. Always inspect hotel rooms before unpacking, keep luggage off the floor, and wash your clothes in hot water when you return home.
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Bed bugs can easily move from one unit to another in apartment buildings or commercial spaces. Sealing cracks in walls, floors, and baseboards can help prevent them from entering your space.
4. Schedule Regular Bed Bug Inspections
Having routine bed bug inspections can catch a problem before it turns into a full-blown infestation. Phantom Pest Control’s K9 detection service is the best way to ensure your home or business remains bed bug-free.
Get Professional Bed Bugs Removal Services from Phantom Pest Control in Vancouver
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, don’t wait, bed bugs multiply rapidly, and DIY treatments often aren’t enough to eliminate them completely. At Phantom Pest Control, we specialize in both residential and commercial bed bug treatments. Our team offers a free estimate, and we are known for our fast response times. Many of our customers have successfully eliminated bed bugs with our services and haven’t seen a single one since.
Don’t let bed bugs take over your home or business, contact us today to schedule your inspection and get rid of bed bugs for good!
