bed bugs

Frequently asked questions

Despite how common bed bug infestations are, many North Americans aren’t prepared to recognize or identify them. A recent National Pest Management Association (NPMA) survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that 73% of Americans don’t know how to inspect for bed bugs, and only 29% can correctly identify them.

Lacking the right information can make a bed bug experience feel overwhelming and even frightening. Our goal is to provide clear, essential guidance to help you proactively prevent infestations and understand what to do if bed bugs are present. It’s also important to separate myths from facts, as bed bug infestations are often surrounded by misinformation.

Where do bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs can originate from a variety of sources, and it is often difficult to determine exactly how an infestation began. In some cases, the source can be reasonably inferred—for example, after staying in an infested location or hosting a guest who was known to have bed bugs. When no clear source is identified, bed bugs are most likely encountered in places with high human traffic or shared use.

Places Where Bed Bugs are Commonly Introduced From

Hotels, motels, and short-term rentals such as Airbnbs

Public transportation, including buses, trains, taxis, rideshares (such as Uber), and airplanes
Homes of friends or family members who have an active infestation
Used or second-hand furniture and mattresses
Second-hand clothing purchased from thrift stores
Items acquired through roadside sales, curbside pickups, or giveaways

Who can get bed bugs?

Anyone can get bed bugs. They don’t discriminate—whether you live in a mansion or a studio apartment. All bed bugs need to survive is a place to hide and a warm body to feed on. While cleanliness doesn’t determine whether bed bugs move in, reducing clutter limits their hiding spots and makes inspection and treatment quicker and more effective.

what are signs of having bed bugs?

Catching a bed bug infestation early is essential, which makes it important to understand the signs to watch for.

Noticing Bed Bug Bites

One possible indicator of bed bug activity is the presence of bites; however, bites alone are not the most reliable way to confirm an infestation. Bed bug bites can closely resemble other insect bites, such as those from mosquitoes, or skin conditions like eczema or hives. Additionally, many people show little to no physical reaction at all. According to Pest Control Technology, anywhere from 30 to 60 percent of people bitten by bed bugs have no reaction whatsoever. When reactions do occur, bed bug bites often appear as small, itchy spots and may be grouped in clusters or lines, often around the neck and upper torso.

Examples of bed bug bites visible on skin

Finding Eggs, Casings, or Exoskeletons

Bed bug eggs and casings (empty eggs) may be found along mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, or other hidden areas. They are difficult to spot because they are very small (about 1mm) and pale white in colour. Often described as resembling tiny grains of rice, they are commonly found clustered together. As bed bug nymphs grow, they shed their outer skins. These pale yellow or light brown exoskeletons are translucent, hollow, and shaped like the bugs themselves. Their size varies depending on the life stage, and they are most often discovered in groups.

Rusty Dark Spots on Bedding and Furniture

Rusty red or brown stains may appear on bed sheets, mattresses, or nearby surfaces. These marks can result from bed bugs being crushed and leaving behind blood stains, or from their excrement, which appears as tiny black or dark brown spots.

Examples of dark stains left by bed bugs, there are 2 eggs present as well.

Noticing a Musty or Sweet Odor

A sweet or musty odor may be noticeable in heavily infested areas, such as bedrooms or around couches and furniture. This smell is typically only detected once an infestation becomes significant, as visible signs usually appear first. Bed bugs release pheromones when alarmed, which can produce a faint sweet scent. As the infestation grows, a stronger musty odor develops, caused by a buildup of excrement and shed skins.

Finding Live Bed Bugs

The most definitive sign of an infestation is seeing live bed bugs, particularly in mattress seams, furniture, box springs, cracks, crevices, or in other areas they commonly hide.

what are the risks of having bed bugs?

The good news is that bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases to humans. That said, their presence can still negatively impact physical well-being and mental health

1. Possible Reactions to Bed Bug Bites

People can react very differently to bed bug bites. Some individuals experience little to no physical reaction and may not even realize they have been bitten. Others may develop mild irritation or, in some cases, severe allergic reactions. Bed bug bites commonly appear as small, itchy red bumps that cause minor discomfort. More severe reactions can include large welts, blisters, or hives, and in rare instances, anaphylaxis.

2. Secondary Infections From the Skin's Reaction to Bed Bug Bites

The itching caused by bed bug bites can sometimes lead to excessive scratching. Intense scratching may break the skin, compromising the protective skin barrier and allowing bacteria to enter. Bacteria that normally live on the skin or are present in the environment can then cause secondary infections. Potential infections include impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis. These infections are not caused directly by the bed bugs themselves but result from skin damage caused by scratching the bites.

3. Psychological and Social Impact

A bed bug infestation can have a significant psychological impact. Individuals who experience infestations may develop anxiety, insomnia, hypervigilance, obsessive thoughts, or nightmares—symptoms often associated with emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, these effects may persist even after the infestation has been successfully eliminated. In a review of online postings, researchers found that 110 out of 135 individuals (81%) reported psychological effects such as insomnia, anxiety, or hypervigilance following a bed bug infestation (Goddard & de Shazo, The American Journal of Medicine). Additionally, the psychological burden may stem not only from the infestation itself but also from the social stigma surrounding bed bugs. Feelings of embarrassment can lead to self-isolation and reduced self-esteem.

what to do if you have bed bugs

The first step is to take a deep breath and remain calm. Discovering bed bugs can be upsetting and overwhelming, but understanding the next steps will help restore a sense of control and peace of mind.

Contact Rural Routes Pest Control

Our trained technicians will thoroughly assess your home to confirm the presence of bed bugs and review treatment options with you. Bed bug infestations can worsen rapidly, so contacting a pest control professional as soon as possible is essential. To learn more about our bed bug treatment click

here.

Do Not Attempt to Treat Bed Bugs On Your Own

Attempting do-it-yourself treatments can make the situation worse. Over-the-counter products or home remedies found online are unlikely to eliminate all bed bugs. Spraying or applying dusts may cause bed bugs to scatter, spreading the infestation and driving them deeper into hiding. This will make professional treatment more difficult and possibly more expensive.

Wash/Dry Bedding and Clothing With High Heat

Wash all bedding (sheets, blankets, comforters, etc.), clothing, stuffed animals, and anything else that is safe for laundry at high heats. Then dry everything on the highest heat setting for at least 45 minutes. Items that cannot withstand high heat should be bagged securely and put into a deep freeze (at -18°C) for a minimum of four days, preferably a week. Store clean items that are not needed daily in sealed bags until bed bug treatment is complete.

Vacuum Thoroughly and Frequently

Pay special attention to baseboards, cracks, crevices, sleeping areas, and furniture. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and remove it from the home immediately.

Reduce Clutter in the Home

Clutter creates hiding places for bed bugs and can obstruct areas that need to be treated. Reducing excess items minimizes harborage areas and ensures technicians have access to all necessary spaces, improving the overall effectiveness of treatment.

how to prevent a bed bug infestation?

Even the cleanest of homes, hotels, and apartments can end up with a bed bug infestation. Prevention starts with awareness! Learning these practices will help you identify situations where bringing bed bugs home can happen, and how to identify possible activity. Being proactive and using these strategies allows you to prevent bed bugs from entering your home and becoming an infestation.

Using Caution When Purchasing Second-Hand Items

Carefully inspect used furniture and clothing before bringing them into your home, and don’t hesitate to ask whether the items have been checked for bed bugs. Never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, or electronics into your home, as these items may be infested.

Wash/Dry Second-Hand Items After Purchasing

When bringing home second-hand clothes, bedding, stuffed animals, or anything that is laundry safe, wash them right away and dry them on a high-heat setting for a minimum of 45 minutes. High heat effectively kills any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.

Inspect Accommodations While Travelling

When staying away from home, inspect the room and furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as blood spots, droppings, or live insects. If you notice any evidence, request a different room. Avoid placing luggage on beds or floors; instead, store it on a metal luggage rack, a table or counter away from the bed, or in the bathtub.

Check and Wash Luggage When you Return Home

Inspect your luggage before bringing it into the house if possible. Wash all clothing in the hottest water and dry on high heat for at least 45 minutes immediately after returning from a trip.

Take Precautions After Potential Exposure

If you knowingly or unknowingly visit a location with an active bed bug infestation, wash and dry your clothing immediately using high heat. Items that cannot be washed should be placed in the dryer on high heat for at least 45 minutes. Items that cannot withstand high heat should be bagged securely and put into a deep freeze (at -18°C) for a minimum of four days, preferably a week.

what is the process for bed bug treatment?

Successful bed bug treatment begins with a thorough and detailed inspection. Identifying all areas where bed bugs are hiding is essential for effective control. Our experienced pest control technicians are trained to inspect all necessary locations and accurately recognize signs of bed bug activity.

Once the inspection is complete, we develop a customized treatment plan tailored to the specific conditions of your space. Our technicians use a combination of proven techniques to quickly reduce and eliminate bed bug populations. This may include vacuuming to remove exposed insects, followed by the targeted application of insecticide dusts or sprays to address hidden and hard-to-reach areas.

Our results are guaranteed

Our bed bug control program includes the initial treatment and a complimentary 30-day follow-up visit. During the follow-up, the technician will re-assess the property to determine if any activity remains and perform additional treatment if necessary. We continue our service until all bed bugs are fully eliminated.

How successful is bed bug treatment?

Rural Routes Pest Control utilizes Aprehend®, an innovative and highly effective solution for bed bug control. Aprehend is a revolutionary biopesticide designed specifically for eliminating bed bugs and offers numerous advantages.

Advantages of Aprehend®

Delivers results in days, with residual effectiveness lasting up to three months
Requires minimal preparation from residents
Biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action
No chemicals, no odor, no dilution
Can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of any protocol
Reduces the need for repeat visits
EPA-registered and registered for use in Canada
Ideal for both active infestations and proactive bed bug prevention

Additional Resources

Click on the circles to open the Aprehend resource documents

Visit the Aprehend Website

How to get rid of bed bugs?

If you suspect you may have bed bugs it is time to call in the pest control experts! Rural Routes Pest Control can do an inspection to confirm activity, and provide treatment to eliminate bed bugs.

for more information about our bed bug treatment service