How do bed bugs get into your home?

Often, bed bugs find their way into homes when an unsuspecting victim brings them in on clothes or luggage. (Bed bugs are great hitchhikers!) But be aware: most pest control experts say that it’s unlikely you picked up your infestation from a fellow traveler. Much more likely is that someone brought home a hitchhiking bed bug after visiting your home or apartment.

Signs of Bed Bugs

Pest control experts use a specific three-step process to identify whether bed bugs are actually causing damage or pain in your home. First, they inspect for physical signs—bites, fecal stains, eggs, etc.—and document them on a diagram of your home. Then they look for behavioral signs—bed bugs scurrying across a mattress at night, hiding spots in your closet where you may have seen them congregating.

How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Don’t let their small size fool you—bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) can spread throughout your home, feed on blood for several minutes and live for months without a blood meal. Bed bugs are more than just an itchy nuisance; they can affect your family’s health and pose a serious threat to your property.

Protect Yourself From Bed Bug Bites

No one wants bed bugs, but it’s only a matter of time before you or someone you know will become a victim. Since most people don’t even realize they have them, it can be hard to identify their bites—and even more difficult to get rid of them.

How Much Does Bed Bug Removal Cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing on bed bug removal. Your bill depends on factors like how many rooms you need treated, what your property is made of (if it’s an apartment building or a house, for example), and how much time your pest control company has spent diagnosing your infestation. Prices can range from $200 to over $2,000 depending on these factors.

Conclusion

If you suspect you have bed bugs, you should contact a professional as soon as possible. A pest control technician will be able to identify them for sure and help you develop a treatment plan—whether that’s eliminating your bed bug problem completely or just getting rid of their access point in your home. The sooner you act, the easier it will be on your wallet (and more importantly, on your blood pressure).