Are you waking up with itchy bites or seeing small, reddish insects near your bed? You might have a bed bug problem. Bed bugs are tiny pests that feed on the blood of humans and animals and are often found in mattresses, furniture, and other household items. While they don't transmit disease, their bites can be uncomfortable and disrupt a good night's rest.

If you suspect bed bugs in your home, taking immediate action is crucial to prevent the situation from worsening. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of bed bugs fast and keep them away.

bed bugs in furniture

What causes bed bugs?

Bed bugs are notorious for being unwelcome guests in homes around the world. Understanding what attracts them to your space is crucial in the battle against these persistent pests. If you're looking for effective solutions on how to get rid of bed bugs, begin by eliminating the factors that draw them in the first place.

Bed bugs are primarily attracted to homes because of the presence of humans and pets from whom they can feed. The carbon dioxide, pheromones, and warmth emitted by humans during sleep and the availability of dark hiding places in mattresses and furniture create an inviting environment for these pests. Clutter in a home can also provide additional hiding spots. Traveling can also expose you to bed bugs, as they often hitch rides in luggage, clothing, and personal belongings.

Identifying and checking for bed bugs

Early detection of bed bugs can significantly reduce their impact and spread. By knowing what signs to look for and where to check, you can catch bed bugs before they have a chance to multiply. Here's how to check your home for these pests:

  • Inspect your mattress and box spring: Check the seams, folds, and tufts of your mattress, as well as the corners and edges of your box spring, for reddish‐brown insects. Also, be on the lookout for tiny spots of their fecal matter, which can indicate an infestation.
  • Examine furniture and headboards: Use a flashlight to inspect the seams of upholstered furniture, folds in couch cushions, and the space between the headboard and the wall. Also, be sure to check cracks or crevices of furniture.
  • Check baseboards: Run a flashlight along the baseboards in your bedroom and living areas, paying attention to corners and cracks.
  • Look for signs on your bedding and linens: Tiny blood spots or rust‐colored stains on sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses could be signs of bed bug activity.
tech checking for bed bugs

What to do if you see bed bugs

Discovering bed bugs can be unsettling, but the key is to act quickly. While there are some DIY bed bug treatments you can try, they can miss hidden infestations and lack the strength to eliminate all life stages. If you suspect or spot these tiny pests in your home, it's always best to hire a professional who understands how to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bug professionals have the expertise and tools to locate bed bug hiding spots, target every life stage of bed bugs, and ensure complete elimination.

If you hire a professional, you can take some initial steps to minimize the spread before they arrive. Here's how:

  • Isolate infested items: Seal infested clothing, bedding, and other items in plastic bags to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
  • Thorough cleaning: Vacuum mattresses, carpets, and furniture regularly, paying close attention to seams, cracks, and crevices where bed bugs hide. Make sure to promptly empty your vacuum outside of your home to avoid spreading.
  • Wash infested items: Launder infested linens, clothing, and fabrics in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting possible to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Items identified with activity should be dried on the highest setting, and then they can be laundered regularly.
  • Reduce clutter: Declutter your living space to eliminate potential hiding spots for bed bugs and make it easier for pest control professionals to access infested areas during treatment.
  • Seal cracks and gaps: Seal cracks and gaps in floors, walls, and furniture to keep bed bugs from entering or escaping hiding places.

If you're seeing signs of bed bugs, contact us today to learn more about our bed bug treatment services and schedule a FREE inspection.

Help keep bed bugs away

When considering how to get rid of bed bugs, preventative measures can help you avoid an infestation. Regularly vacuum carpets, furniture, and mattresses, paying close attention to seams and edges. Encase your mattress and box spring in a bed bug mattress encasement to help protect and eliminate any harborages on your bedding. Be cautious when bringing in secondhand furniture or clothes, as these can be common carriers of bed bugs. If you spot bed bugs, don't wait! Reach out to Terminix for expert bed bug control services and get your peace of mind back.