Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need To Know About Bed Bugs

Are bed bugs a problem these days?

Bed bug populations in North America dropped significantly several decades ago and several factors are leading to the recent resurgence of bed bug populations. A major reason is the widespread use of chemical treatments such as DDT greatly reduced the number of bed bug infestations until the 1970’s when the damaging effects of these toxic chemicals become well-documented. DDT use is now banned worldwide. Also, multiple studies are indicating the existence of DDT-resistant strains of bed bugs meaning a return to using DDT may not even reduce bed bug populations as it did previously.

Another factor leading to an increase in bed bug populations across North America is the development of cheap long-distance travel. As it has become increasingly easy to travel across the country or even around the world, people now have a higher chance of coming into contact with a bed bug which can then hitchhike back home with them and their family.

Aren't bed bugs only found in dirty homes?

Most people think having bed bugs are a sign of a dirty home. This is simply not true and that belief may adversely impact an affected person because he or she may feel uncomfortable asking for help to remove the infestation. Bed bugs are parasitic insects that require blood to survive and reproduce. Once they come in contact with a human host, that person’s house can and usually will become infested with bed bugs. They are not picky as long as you have blood for them to eat (if you’re reading this, we assume this describes you and are therefore capable of being infested by bed bugs). The cleanliness of your home is not a deciding factor for a bed bug.

What are the common signs and symptoms of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are not known to transmit human diseases in nature; however, research has shown bed bugs can transmit certain types of parasites in laboratories, though it’s not yet known why it hasn’t been documented outside of a lab.

The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is itchy, red bite marks on the skin. You could see their feces which look like small ink stains on mattresses, box springs, or other areas where bed bugs gather (see attached picture). Of course, it is also possible to see bed bugs crawling across your bedding, pillow, or bed frame. Occasionally you can smell a bed bug infestation because they emit pheromones and histamines to attract other bed bugs. The smell has a musty odor and is described as smelling like a locker room.

What is the best way to get rid of bed bugs?

Pest control specialists often use pesticide sprays, heat treatments, or a combination of both. We prefer using heat treatments for several reasons. First, we like to avoid introducing pesticides into your home due to health concerns. Second, every living organism has a heat tolerance (a thermal point at which it will die). This is true for adult bed bugs as well as their eggs and their heat tolerance is, conveniently, not very high. We will heat your home to a temperature which is lethal for bed bugs, monitor temperatures within your home to ensure there are no cool spots which could keep bed bugs safe, and then hold the temperature long enough that no bed bug nor bed bug egg will be able to survive regardless of where they are hiding.

Pesticide sprays are still a common option many people choose. Some people like sprays because they are a cheaper alternative; however, cheaper isn’t always better. Spray treatments often take several applications because it is hard for sprays to reach every area where bed bugs may be hiding and bed bug eggs are often resistant to many sprays. There are also multiple research studies out suggesting adult bed bugs are becoming resistant to popular pesticides which are believed to be a contributing factor in increasing bed bug population across North America.

Are there any do it yourself bed bug treatments I can perform?

It is difficult to remove all bed bugs and their eggs from an infected area by treating yourself. The EPA has several recommendations if you want to try self-treatment which includes:

Non-chemical methods:

• Heat treatment with a clothes dryer on high heat, place items in a black bag in direct sunlight or place items in a closed car.
• Cold treatment by placing items in a home freezer set to 0° F for 4 days making sure to use your thermometer to verify the temperature.

Pesticide treatments (carefully following label directions):

• Use a fogger (“bug bomb”). The EPA notes these often do not reach all the places where bed bugs hide.
• Use desiccants (drying agents) such as diatomaceous earth, being careful to choose pesticide-grade rather than the food-grade which could cause harm if inhaled.

How can I avoid bed bugs when I'm traveling?

Traveling is one of the most common ways to come into contact with bed bugs. There are a few tips you can follow to reduce your infestation risk when you travel:

• Search your hotel room before unpacking. Remove bedding slowly and check the mattress and box springs of your bed for adult bed bugs or feces stains. Search on the luggage rack and headboard as well as pillows. To be more thorough, inspect the closet and furniture as well as behind any peeling wallpaper or carpet.
• Never place luggage or clothing on beds or furniture. Keep luggage away from the floor around the bed. You can place luggage in a bathroom for additional protection.
• As soon as your return from a trip, run clothing and jackets through a full cycle in a clothes dryer on as high a heat as the clothing will tolerate.
• Put luggage in a bag or plastic container that can be sealed tight so bed bugs can’t crawl out to infest other areas of your home.
• Items such as luggage which cannot be run through a dryer may be heated (120 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour) or frozen (below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 days) to kill any hitchhiking bed bugs. Be careful not to freeze or heat items such as electronics.