FAQ: Bed Bugs in Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee, Janesville, Beloit

Bed bugs are a growing concern across the United States, affecting homes, hotels, and businesses alike. Understanding what bed bugs look like, how they spread, and how pest control for bed bugs works is the first step toward protecting yourself and your home. This FAQ covers the most common questions about bed bugs, bed bug bites, and bed bug extermination.

Identification

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that are often mistaken for other pests. Knowing what to look for makes early detection much easier. Key physical characteristics include:

• Adult bed bugs are brown, roughly a quarter of an inch in diameter, and resemble a flat apple seed or lentil
• Before feeding, bed bugs appear creamy white with a darker marking in the abdominal area
• After feeding, digested blood causes them to appear darker reddish-brown
• Bed bugs go through multiple life stages, from tiny nymphs to fully grown adults

What Are the Common Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?

Catching an infestation early can significantly reduce the cost and effort of bed bug extermination. Watch for the following warning signs:

• Small red to reddish-brown fecal spots on mattresses, upholstery, or walls
• Molted bed bug skins, white sticky eggs, or empty eggshells near sleeping areas
• A sweet, musty odor in heavily infested areas
• Red, itchy bed bug bites, particularly on the arms, legs, and other areas of the body exposed during sleep

Prevalence and Distribution

How Pervasive Is the Bed Bug Problem in the United States?

The bed bug problem in the United States is more widespread than many people realize. According to research by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 97% of pest professionals treated for bed bugs in 2018 alone. Infestations have increased significantly in recent years and show no signs of slowing down.

What States Have Been Affected by Bed Bugs?

No state is immune to bed bugs. Pest control companies have reported bed bug activity on a national scale, with confirmed infestations in all 50 states, including Alaska. Bed bugs have also been documented across nearly every region of the world, making them a global pest problem.

Why Are Bed Bugs Such a Problem Now?

Several factors have contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs in recent decades. The majority of pest professionals point to the following causes:

• Increased domestic and international travel, which allows bed bugs to hitchhike from one location to another
• A general lack of public awareness about bed bug prevention and early detection
• Changes in pest control products and methods that have made some treatments less effective
• The growing resistance of bed bugs to commonly used pesticides

Habitats and Behavior

Where Are Bed Bugs Found?

Bed bugs are not limited to any one type of setting. Active infestations have been found in a wide range of locations, including:

• Single-family homes and multi-family housing
• Hotels, motels, and short-term rental properties
• Hospitals, schools, and college campuses
• Office buildings, retail stores, and libraries
• Movie theaters and public transportation

Anywhere people gather and spend time, bed bugs can potentially be found.

Are Bed Bugs Only Found in Beds?

Despite their name, bed bugs are not exclusive to beds. While mattresses, box springs, and folded areas of bedding are the most common hiding spots, bed bugs also conceal themselves in:

• Behind baseboards and wallpaper
• Inside picture frames and electrical switch plates
• In upholstery and furniture crevices near resting areas
• On couches and chairs where people spend extended periods of time

Bed bugs detect heat signatures and carbon dioxide emissions, so they gravitate toward any location where a person remains stationary for long periods.

Treatment and Control

Why Are Bed Bugs So Hard to Treat?

Bed bugs are exceptionally resilient pests, which is what makes bed bug extermination so challenging. Their survival capabilities include:

• The ability to live for several months without feeding
• Tolerance for a wide range of temperatures, from near freezing to approximately 122 degrees Fahrenheit
• A flat body shape that allows them to hide in extremely narrow cracks and crevices
• Growing resistance to many over-the-counter pesticides

How Does Pest Control for Bed Bugs Work?

Our professional pest control for bed bugs is the most effective and safest approach to eliminating an infestation. The process typically involves the following steps:

• A licensed pest professional conducts a thorough inspection of all known and suspected hiding spots
• The professional develops a customized treatment and control strategy based on the extent of the infestation
• The customer follows specific preparation instructions, such as removing infested items and laundering clothing at high temperatures
• Follow-up visits confirm the success of treatment and address any remaining activity

It is important to note that bed bugs are not a do-it-yourself pest. Home remedies such as essential oils and rubbing alcohol are largely ineffective and can worsen an infestation. Always consult a licensed pest professional for safe and reliable bed bug extermination.

For more information on protecting your home or business from bed bugs, contact our qualified pest control professional today!