No one wants to think about bed bugs. No one wants to talk about them. However, when you have questions about bed bugs, it’s important to get answers fast. These are some of the most frequently asked questions we at Highland get about bed bugs.
Can you see bed bugs?
Yes and no. A mature bed bug is about 3/16 inch long, generally dark-colored. If you shine a light onto your mattress seam, you might see mature bed bugs or their fecal matter if you have a major infestation. However, young bed bugs and eggs are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. Certified canine inspectors can sniff them out.
If I keep my home clean, can I get bed bugs?
Unfortunately, yes, anyone can get bed bugs. Having bed bugs is not a sign of a dirty home or a dirty hotel room. It’s simply related to having been exposed to bed bugs and unintentionally bringing them home. Bed bugs love people and follow them anywhere.
What will happen if I get a bed bug bite?
About 30% of people have no reaction to bed bug bites. Others will have itching and red welts. Scratching can lead to open sores, infection, and scarring. Bed bugs generally do not carry disease.
How can I check to see if a hotel bed has bed bugs?
To check your hotel bed for bed bugs, pull off the mattress pad and check the mattress seams, looking for any elongated dark spots. Use your smartphone flashlight to get as much light as possible on the stitching. Also check for chemical odors that might indicate the room has recently been treated.
How can I check my bed at home for bed bugs?
To find bed bugs at home, use a flashlight and check seams of beds and upholstered furniture for dark spots about 3/16 inches long. Check the underside of wooden furniture too. Arrange professional canine inspection if appropriate. Once you are sure you don’t have bed bugs in your mattress, use finely woven specialized mattress covers that encase the mattress and keep bed bugs from making homes in the bed.
How can I get my home treated for bed bugs?
If you are concerned about bed bugs, the first step is to get an inspector out to your home urgently. Our inspections are completely unbiased. We will never recommend treatment without evidence of bed bugs. If we do find bed bugs, we will recommend a treatment plan based on the size and severity of the infestation.
How effective is heat treatment for bed bugs?
Heat treatment is the fastest and most cost effective way to completely eradicate bed bug infestations. Bed bugs at all life stages including eggs are unable to survive in temperatures higher than 125 degrees. Unlike chemical treatments, which can push bed bugs into the walls, heat permeates every square inch of an infested room, even penetrating the walls, to ensure that it is clean and clear of bed bugs.
Are bed bug treatments safe?
Our sophisticated heating system is made specifically for killing bed bugs. It is 100% green and environmentally friendly. Our systems raise the temperature evenly throughout the home to 135 degrees. This is hot enough to kill bed bugs but a safe temperature for your belongings. Since we don’t overly rely on harmful chemicals, our treatment method is ideal for sensitive properties, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and dormitories.
Highland specializes in bed bugs. We understand that just thinking and talking about bed bugs can be uncomfortable, even traumatic. We take the “icky” out of bed bugs. Since 2010 we have been providing safe and effective inspection and treatment for bed bugs.
For more information on bed bugs in general and eco-friendly pest treatments, get in touch with Highland Eco Pest. We serve the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia region. Our goal is to keep your home safe from pests in an eco-friendly way.
