Bed bugs are a public health pest that can cause various negative physical health, mental health, and economic consequences. While they have not been shown to transmit diseases, their bites can lead to allergic reactions, which can range from no reaction to a small bite mark to, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Additionally, secondary infections of the skin from the bite reaction, such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis, can occur.
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown in color and can grow up to ¼ inch long. They are nocturnal and prefer to feed on exposed areas of humans, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands, while the host is asleep. After feeding, bed bugs defecate semisolid and sticky materials that leave reddish-black spots on mattresses or nearby furniture. Spots and fecal material odors are good clues to the presence of bed bugs.
Bed bugs prefer to live in wood, paper, and fabric surfaces but can also live on stone, metal, or plaster. They tend to hide during the day and avoid places with movement and light during the night, using carbon dioxide, warmth, and moisture to locate their hosts. In infested locations, bed bugs are usually found in seams of mattresses, inside mattress coils, cracks in bed frame, bedside furniture, dressers, wallboards, wood paneling, door and window frames, behind pictures, under loose wallpaper, and in rooms near host sleeping areas.
Bed bugs can quickly crawl short distances and infest other rooms in a house or business, and in apartment buildings, bed bugs can move from one apartment to another vertically and horizontally. Long-distance infestations occur when infested objects such as bedding, furniture, or packing materials are moved to new areas. Travelers can also transport bed bugs back and forth in clothing, luggage, and laptop or tablet cases.
Preventing bed bug infestations is crucial in controlling their spread. It is essential to be aware of the signs of bed bugs, such as spots and fecal material odors, and to take necessary precautions when traveling or purchasing used furniture. Professional pest control services are available for those who suspect a bed bug infestation, and these services can provide effective strategies for controlling and eliminating bed bugs.
Bed bugs undergo a fascinating life cycle that consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Understanding their development can help in identifying and controlling infestations.
The egg stage is the first step in the bed bug life cycle. Females lay tiny, pearl-white eggs, which are about the size of a pinhead. These eggs have an eye spot if they are more than five days old. A single female bed bug can lay up to 200 eggs during her lifetime. The eggs are often hidden in cracks, crevices, and mattress seams, making them difficult to detect.
After hatching, bed bug nymphs emerge. Nymphs are smaller than adults and translucent or whitish-yellow in color if not recently fed. They undergo several molting stages to grow, developing a new exoskeleton after each molt and gradually becoming larger and darker in color. Nymphs require a blood meal to molt and progress to the next stage.
The final stage in the bed bug life cycle is adulthood. After going through five nymphal stages, bed bugs reach adulthood. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (5-7 mm or 3/16 - 1/4 inch long) and have a flat, oval-shaped body if not fed recently. If fed recently, they become balloon-like, reddish-brown, and more elongated. Adults have a "true bug" appearance, with a beak with three segments, antenna that have four parts, wings that are not used for flying, and short, golden-colored hairs.
Bed bugs have a relatively quick development cycle, and a female bed bug can produce 200 to 250 eggs during her lifespan. This rapid reproduction can lead to a full-blown infestation if not addressed promptly. Knowing the bed bug life cycle can help in identifying and controlling infestations, making it essential to understand these stages when dealing with bed bugs.
Bed bugs, known for their elusive nature, prefer to inhabit secluded areas during the day and emerge at night to feed on their human hosts. These parasitic insects are commonly found in beds or locations where people rest or sleep, taking advantage of the warmth and carbon dioxide produced by their hosts. Bed bugs can be detected by their reddish-black fecal spots, which they leave behind on mattresses or nearby furniture.
These pests are not limited to residential settings and can be found in a variety of environments, including offices, schools, libraries, stores, and public transportation. They are adept at traveling short and long distances, often hitching rides in infested objects such as bedding, furniture, or packing materials, or in the luggage and clothing of unsuspecting individuals. This adaptability allows them to infest a wide range of locations, making eradication challenging and requiring vigilance from both professionals and individuals.
Bed bugs are particularly drawn to wood, paper, and fabric surfaces, often hiding in seams of mattresses, cracks in bed frames, and other protected areas near their human hosts. They can also be found in less obvious locations, such as behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, picture frames, and electrical switchplates. This ability to conceal themselves in various crevices and surfaces makes early detection and treatment crucial in controlling bed bug populations.
In addition to their preferred habitats, bed bugs can survive in temporary or alternative habitats, such as backpacks and under the seats in cars, buses, and trains. This adaptability allows them to persist in a variety of environments, making it essential to be aware of their potential presence in various settings. By understanding their preferred habitats and adaptability, individuals and professionals can better target bed bug infestations and prevent further spread.
Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small, brownish insects that feed solely on the blood of animals, with a strong preference for human blood. Adult bed bugs are about 3/16-inch long, with oval, flattened bodies resembling an apple seed in color, although slightly smaller. Engorged bed bugs, on the other hand, become more elongated and swollen, turning red-brown in color. Nymphs, or immature bed bugs, are smaller and lighter in color, closely resembling the adults.
Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly, but they are excellent crawlers, capable of moving rapidly over various surfaces, including floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture. They are often mistaken for other insects, such as ticks, cockroaches, or carpet beetles, due to their similar appearance. Adult females lay their tiny, whitish eggs in secluded places, with one to three eggs laid per day and potentially hundreds during their lifetime. These eggs are sticky when first laid, causing them to adhere to surfaces, and hatch in about a week under room temperature conditions.
Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, hiding during the day and avoiding places with movement and light during the night. They use carbon dioxide, warmth, and moisture to locate their hosts, preferring to feed on exposed areas of humans, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. Bed bugs inject anticoagulants and anesthetic through their saliva, which usually leads to an allergic reaction in the form of a colorless wheal, welt, or lump at the bite location. After feeding, bed bugs defecate semisolid and sticky materials that leave reddish-black spots on mattresses or nearby furniture, serving as a clue to their presence.
Bed bugs prefer to live on wood, paper, and fabric surfaces, but they can also live on stone, metal, or plaster. In infested locations, bed bugs are usually found in seams of mattresses, inside mattress coils, cracks in bed frames, bedside furniture, dressers, wallboards, wood paneling, door and window frames, behind pictures, under loose wallpaper, and in rooms near host sleeping areas. Their ability to crawl quickly and infest other rooms or buildings makes bed bug infestations challenging to control and eradicate once established.
Bed bugs are notorious for their elusive nature, making it challenging to detect an infestation in its early stages. However, there are several signs that can indicate the presence of these pests in your living space.
Firstly, one of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation is the presence of small red to reddish-brown fecal spots on mattresses, upholstery, or walls. These spots are left behind as bed bugs digest their blood meals and excrete waste, which can be easily spotted on light-colored surfaces.
Another indicator of a bed bug infestation is the discovery of molted bed bug skins, sticky eggs, or empty eggshells. As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind these translucent, pale-yellow skins. Additionally, bed bugs lay tiny, white, sticky eggs that can be found in crevices and cracks where bed bugs typically hide.
Bites on the skin are a less reliable indicator of a bed bug infestation, as they can resemble bites from other insects or skin conditions. However, bed bug bites are often characterized by their linear orientation, with three distinct small round bite marks located a few centimeters apart and arranged in a linear or triangular fashion. This pattern, known as the "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" sign, is a strong indication of a bed bug infestation.
Lastly, in heavily infested areas, a characteristically sweet odor may be present. This odor is released by bed bugs as a form of communication and can be a strong indicator of a significant infestation.
It is important to note that the absence of these signs does not guarantee the absence of bed bugs, as they are skilled at hiding and can go undetected for extended periods. Regular inspections and vigilance are crucial in detecting and managing a bed bug infestation.
While bed bugs are a common pest that can cause significant distress, there are many myths surrounding them. One such myth is that bed bugs are only found in dirty or cluttered places. However, bed bugs are attracted to warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide, not dirt and grime. They can be found in various types of environments, from hotels to hospitals to private homes.
Another widespread myth is that bed bugs can fly. In reality, bed bugs are wingless and cannot fly. They move by crawling, and their small size allows them to hide in tight spaces, making them difficult to detect and eliminate.
The speed at which bed bugs reproduce is also often misconstrued. While bed bugs can reproduce quickly, they are not as prolific as some other insects. Each adult female produces about one egg per day, and it takes time for the offspring to develop into adults.
Lastly, there is a common belief that insecticides are the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs. However, many bedbug strains have developed resistance to certain insecticides, making them less effective. Additionally, overreliance on chemicals can lead to further resistance and environmental harm. Therefore, a combination of strategies, such as heat treatment, vacuuming, and the use of encasements, is often recommended for bed bug control.
In conclusion, understanding the truth behind these common bed bug myths can help in effective prevention and control measures. Keeping in mind that bed bugs are not attracted to dirt, cannot fly, reproduce at a moderate rate, and require a combination of strategies for elimination can make a significant difference in managing bed bug infestations.
Bed bug bites can have various health effects, ranging from mild to severe reactions. The bites typically result in small, red, swollen areas on the skin, which can be itchy and irritating. In some cases, the bites may not cause any noticeable symptoms, while in others, they can lead to more serious health problems.
One of the most common health effects of bed bug bites is an allergic reaction, which can vary from person to person. Mild reactions may cause redness, swelling, and itching at the bite site, while more severe reactions can lead to blisters, hives, or even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, some people may develop secondary infections from scratching the bites, which can cause symptoms such as pain, redness, and pus.
Bed bug bites can also have psychological effects, such as insomnia and anxiety, due to the discomfort and itching associated with the bites, as well as the fear of further infestations. The presence of bed bugs can cause significant stress and anxiety, leading to sleep disturbances and other mental health issues.
It is important to note that bed bugs are not known to transmit any serious diseases, and their bites are generally not dangerous. However, the health effects of bed bug bites can still be significant, and it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any severe reactions or symptoms.
To prevent bed bug bites, it is crucial to take measures to prevent infestations, such as inspecting hotel rooms and luggage for signs of bed bugs, using protective encasements on mattresses and box springs, and keeping your home clean and clutter-free. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is essential to contact a professional pest control service to eliminate the problem and prevent further health effects.
Bed bug infestations can have significant psychological impacts on individuals, often leading to severe anxiety, stress, and even symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The constant worry and fear of bed bugs can consume a person's thoughts, causing them to lose sleep and become paranoid. A study analyzing internet posts related to bed bug infestations found that 81% of the posts described three or more behaviors commonly associated with PTSD, such as reexperiencing, startle responses, hypervigilance, and avoidance.
The psychological distress caused by bed bug infestations can lead to diagnosable psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. A cross-sectional study comparing individuals living with and without bed bug infestations found that those exposed to bed bugs were more likely to experience sleep disturbances and symptoms of anxiety. The study also found a trend towards reporting more symptoms of depression in the bed bug-infested group, although it was not statistically significant.
The fear and anxiety associated with bed bug infestations can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to social isolation and difficulties in daily functioning. The stigma and shame associated with bed bug infestations can also exacerbate the psychological impacts, causing individuals to feel embarrassed and isolated. It is essential to address the psychological impacts of bed bug infestations and provide appropriate mental health support to those affected. Public health initiatives should focus on raising awareness of the psychological effects of bed bug infestations and promoting access to mental health services for those in need.
Bed bugs, known scientifically as Cimex lectularius, have been linked to various long-term health risks, particularly in terms of mental health. Research has shown that exposure to bed bug infestations can lead to a range of psychological consequences, including anxiety, insomnia, and systemic reactions. These effects can be particularly pronounced in individuals who experience frequent bed bug bites, as the constant fear of being bitten and the difficulty of eradicating bed bugs can lead to a range of psychological and behavioral issues, such as insomnia, mood change, nervousness, panic, agitation, and hypervigilance.
In addition to the mental health impacts, bed bug infestations have also been associated with physical health consequences. These can include allergic reactions to bed bug bites, which can range from no reaction to a small bite mark to, in rare cases, anaphylaxis (a severe, whole-body reaction). Bed bug bites can also lead to secondary infections of the skin, such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis.
While there is currently no evidence that bed bugs transmit human diseases, recent research has suggested that they could potentially transmit MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This is of particular concern in healthcare settings, where bed bug infestations have been shown to lead to the closure of hospitals and the disruption of health services.
Despite the significant health impacts associated with bed bug infestations, discussions of these effects remain largely anecdotal, and little empirical evidence currently exists on this topic. This highlights the need for further research in this area, particularly in terms of understanding the long-term health consequences of exposure to bed bugs and developing effective strategies for preventing and managing infestations.
Preventing bed bug infestations requires vigilance and proactive measures. Regularly inspecting secondhand furniture, beds, and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home is crucial. Using protective covers that encase mattresses and box springs can eliminate many hiding spots and make bed bugs easier to see due to the light color of the encasement. High-quality encasements that resist tearing and are pre-treated with pesticide to control bed bugs are recommended.
Reducing clutter in your home and vacuuming frequently can help minimize hiding places for bed bugs. When using shared laundry facilities, transport items in plastic bags, remove them directly from the dryer into the bag, and fold at home. A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs. If you live in a multi-family home, install door sweeps on the bottom of doors and seal cracks and crevices around baseboards, light sockets, etc., to discourage bed bug movement through wall voids.
Inspecting materials during check-in for damage, wear, pearly eggs, and excrement can help detect bed bugs early. When evidence indicates a larger contamination, bed bug dogs can be used by professionals to evaluate entire buildings. Properly disposing of infested items, such as slashing mattresses and plush furniture, breaking box spring frames, and labeling items with the word "bed bugs," can prevent the spread of bed bugs in your community.
Educating clients and encouraging their cooperation in treatment preparations is essential for effective bed bug management. Providing detailed information on bed bug detection, client cooperation, and treatment preparations can help clients understand their role in the process. Following these best practices can significantly reduce the risk of bed bug infestations and ensure a healthier living environment.
When it comes to bed bugs, there are certain commonly overlooked areas that homeowners and hotel staff should be aware of. These pests are known for their ability to hide in the smallest of spaces, making early detection challenging.
One such area is the peculiar smell that often accompanies an infestation. A sweet, musty odour might be the first sign of bed bugs, even before visible evidence is present. This scent is produced by their glands and can be a strong indicator of their presence.
Another often overlooked area is the furniture, particularly beds and couches. Bed bugs thrive in the seams, buttons, and furniture folds, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye. Regularly inspecting these areas can help in early detection and prevention of an infestation.
Travelers should also be vigilant when staying in hotels or motels. Bed bugs are often associated with sleeping areas, and hotels can sometimes harbor these pests. Upon checking into a room, it's wise to inspect the bed linens, mattress, and bed frame for signs of bed bugs. Using luggage racks to keep suitcases off the floor and away from the bed can also help prevent bringing them home.
Lastly, cluttered spaces offer numerous hiding spots for bed bugs. Keeping your home clutter-free, particularly around your bed, can reduce hiding spots and make detection easier. Sealing cracks and crevices in your home using caulk can also give bed bugs fewer places to hide and potentially nest.
In conclusion, being aware of these commonly overlooked areas can significantly aid in the early detection and prevention of bed bug infestations. Regular inspections, vigilance during travel, and maintaining a clean and organized living space can go a long way in keeping your home or hotel room bed bug-free.
When traveling, it's crucial to take precautions to prevent bed bugs from hitchhiking their way into your home. Before settling into your hotel room, inspect the area thoroughly for signs of bed bugs, even if the room appears clean. Adult bed bugs are wingless, with a flat, oval body about the size of Lincoln's head on a penny. Their eggs are pearl white and about the size of a pinhead. Meticulously examine the bedding, box spring, bed skirt, side tables, and alarm clock, as bed bugs can hide in these areas.
Upon returning home, take immediate action to prevent any potential bed bugs from spreading. Leave your luggage outside the house, and place all your packed clothing – even what you didn’t wear – in a garbage bag and tie a knot to seal it. When you have time, remove the clothes from the garbage bag and let them tumble in the dryer with heat for a good 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs or eggs. Clean your luggage itself, and if it's a duffel bag, throw it in the wash if you can. Otherwise, use a garment steamer to kill off any stowaway bugs.
It's important to remember that bed bugs are not limited to budget accommodations or unsanitary environments. They can be found in various places, including five-star hotels, and their presence is not determined by cleanliness. Always check your accommodations for signs of bed bugs upon arrival, and take necessary precautions to ensure a bed bug-free trip.
Professional pest control services play a crucial role in managing bed bug infestations. These companies employ licensed pest management professionals who have the necessary training, expertise, and equipment to identify and eliminate bed bugs effectively. They follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which combine both chemical and non-chemical methods to provide the best possible pest control solutions.
When selecting a professional pest control service, it is essential to ask many questions to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable company. You can check if a pest control company is licensed in your state and if your pest professional is certified. Additionally, you can seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews. A list of companies that have received training at Pest Management University, a UF/IFAS Extension program, is available online. This list is not an endorsement or referral but simply a statement that the listed companies have completed UF/IFAS training.
During the in-person interview with the pest management professional, several observations can help you make an informed decision. The professional should be dressed professionally, ready to present a state identification card upon request, and able to provide a business telephone number and address. The vehicle should be clean, well-maintained, and equipped with organized and clearly labeled pesticides. By law, the vehicle driven by the person who will perform the pest control work must not use magnetic signage, except for sales vehicles.
Professional pest control services use various methods to eliminate bed bugs, including chemical treatments, heat treatments, and steam treatments. Chemical treatments involve the application of EPA-registered pesticides, while heat treatments raise the temperature of the infested area to a level that kills bed bugs. Steam treatments use high-temperature steam to eliminate bed bugs in cracks and crevices. The choice of treatment method depends on the severity of the infestation, the type of property, and the preferences of the homeowner or business owner.
In summary, professional pest control services are essential in managing bed bug infestations. When selecting a pest control company, it is crucial to ask many questions, observe the professional's appearance and demeanor, and ensure that the company follows IPM techniques and uses EPA-registered pesticides. By choosing a reputable and reliable pest control company, you can effectively eliminate bed bugs and prevent future infestations.
DIY Treatment Methods for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be a challenging pest to deal with, but there are several do-it-yourself (DIY) treatment methods that can help manage an infestation. These methods can be used alone or in conjunction with professional pest control services.
One of the most effective DIY methods for controlling bed bugs is environmental modification. This includes vacuuming to reduce bed bug populations, installing encasements on mattresses and box springs, and making the bed an island by keeping it away from walls and other furniture. Encasements can trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from biting and reproducing. Vacuuming can help remove bed bugs from carpets, floors, and furniture, but it is important to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use to prevent reinfestation.
Non-chemical controls are another important aspect of DIY bed bug management. Items that cannot be washed or dried may be steamed, heated, or frozen using specialized equipment. Raising the indoor temperature with a thermostat or space heaters will not kill bed bugs, as they can survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, professional heat treatments can be effective in eliminating bed bugs from an entire home or building.
Monitoring is also crucial in DIY bed bug management. Interceptors can be placed under bed and sofa legs to monitor bed bug numbers, and residents should be encouraged to launder their clothing and bed linens regularly. It is important to eliminate "bridges" that bed bugs can use to circumvent interceptor devices placed under furniture legs.
While DIY methods can be effective in managing bed bugs, it is important to note that complete eradication may not be possible without professional help. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate, and a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments may be necessary. If live bugs or their signs are noticed for six weeks after treatment, it is likely that the infestation is still present and further action is needed.
In summary, DIY treatment methods can be an effective way to manage bed bug infestations. Environmental modification, non-chemical controls, and monitoring are all important aspects of DIY bed bug management. However, complete eradication may not be possible without professional help, and a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments may be necessary for effective bed bug control.
Maintaining a bed bug-free environment post-treatment is crucial to prevent future infestations. After a successful treatment, it's essential to follow specific measures to ensure that the bed bugs do not return.
First, it's crucial to understand that bed bugs can be challenging to eradicate completely. Even after a successful treatment, there may still be lingering bed bugs or eggs that can hatch and cause a new infestation. Therefore, ongoing monitoring is necessary to detect any early signs of bed bug activity.
Visual inspections and interceptors are effective monitoring tools that can help detect bed bugs early. When both visual inspection and interceptors are used, the detection rate increases to 99 percent, making it the most cost-effective method for building-wide inspections. Regularly inspecting areas where bed bugs are known to hide, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and nearby furniture, can help identify any new activity.
In addition to monitoring, cultural controls can also help prevent future infestations. Public awareness and education about bed bug biology and behavior are essential in reducing the spread of bed bugs. Travelers should inspect their luggage and clothing before bringing them into their homes, and second-hand furniture should be inspected before bringing it into buildings.
Preventive solutions can also be put in place to minimize the risk of future infestations. For example, using bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses and box springs can prevent bed bugs from hiding in these areas. Additionally, using bed bug interceptors under bed legs can trap bed bugs attempting to climb onto the bed.
Finally, it's essential to address any clutter or mess in the environment, as bed bugs can hide in these areas. Regularly cleaning and decluttering can help minimize the risk of future infestations.
In summary, maintaining a bed bug-free environment post-treatment requires ongoing monitoring, cultural controls, preventive solutions, and a clean and clutter-free environment. By following these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future bed bug infestations.
To determine if you have bed bugs, there are several signs to look out for. The most obvious sign is finding live bed bugs in your home. Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown with a large abdomen, short antennae, and six legs. They are about the size of a flaxseed or a small apple seed.
Another early sign of bed bugs is the presence of bites. Bed bugs are most active at night and will bite exposed skin to feed on blood. These bites often appear in a line or cluster and can be itchy and uncomfortable. However, it's important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, so their absence does not necessarily mean you are bed bug-free.
Inspecting your home for physical signs of bed bugs is a more accurate way to identify an infestation. When cleaning, changing bedding, or staying away from home, look for rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed. Dark spots, which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would, are also indicative of an infestation. Additionally, eggs and eggshells, which are tiny and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger, are signs of a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs typically hide in cracks and crevices near their host during the day. Common hiding spots include the seams of mattresses, in the joints of furniture, inside cracks and crevices within walls and baseboards, and even inside electrical outlets or along the folds of curtains. A thorough inspection of these areas can help you identify a bed bug infestation early on.
If you're still unsure whether you have bed bugs, consider reaching out to a professional pest control service for assistance. They can provide a more comprehensive inspection and offer treatment options if an infestation is found.
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on blood and can be found in various places, including homes, hotels, schools, and public transportation. The main causes of bed bug infestations are traveling, buying used furniture, and attending schools or colleges.
Traveling, both domestically and internationally, is the most common cause of bed bug infestations. Places with high turnover rates, such as hotels, motels, and Airbnb's, are prime spots for picking up bed bugs. They can attach to clothing or luggage and be transported to new locations, where they can lay eggs and multiply quickly.
Buying used furniture, particularly mattresses, box springs, couches, and chairs, can also cause bed bug infestations. These items may unknowingly harbor hungry bed bugs, which can lay eggs and multiply quickly in their new host's area.
Schools and colleges are another means by which bed bugs make their rounds. Since these insects transfer easily through clothing and other cloth materials, children can unknowingly bring them home from school or college breaks.
To prevent bed bug infestations, it is essential to clean and declutter frequently, especially in the bedroom. Moving the bed away from walls or furniture, vacuuming molding, windows, and floors every day, and washing sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bed skirts in hot water and putting them in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes can help control an infestation.
If a bed bug infestation is suspected, it is crucial to contact a pest control professional immediately, as bed bugs can breed quickly. Pesticides may not be effective and can be dangerous if used improperly. If pesticides are used, they should be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and labeled to control bed bugs.