Bed Bug FAQs

Working in the bed bug treatment industry, we often get similar questions about bed bugs from our customers and members of the community. We have compiled a list of the most common bed bug questions.

What are the first signs of bed bugs?

There are a few ways that you might start to notice bed bugs. Some of these signs include:

• Small rust-colored stains on mattresses, sheets, or walls - can be tiny blood stains from bed bugs biting you, or their fecal matter.
• A strong, musty odor from bed bugs' scent glands.
• Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, so they may be visible on a sleeping person or in the bedding.
• You wake up with red, itchy bite marks.
• Discarded egg shells, or shed skins.

Where are bed bugs found?

Bed bugs are a global issue, not secluded to one region or environment. Bed bug infestations typically occur near areas where people sleep. Anywhere from apartments, shelters, houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorms. Bed bugs are able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.

Do bed bugs spread disease?

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. They cause itching and loss of sleep. Rarely, but possibly, the itching can lead to scratching which can increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

How can I tell if I have bed bugs or fleas?

If you see tiny bugs crawling around in your home and you aren’t sure if they’re fleas or bed bugs, look at their shape and size! Bed bugs are flat and wide, while fleas are narrow and are able to jump. Both pests are typically brown in color.

What causes you to get bed bugs?

Bed bugs can be brought into your home in many different ways. You can bring home bed bugs by buying used furniture, staying at a hotel or friend's house that has bed bugs, or, although unlikely, even bumping into someone who has bed bugs on their clothing! Bed bugs are small so they hitchhike easily.

Can you see bed bugs?

Yes! While bed bugs are small and their eggs can be hard to see with the naked eye, adult bed bugs look like tiny apple seeds and can typically be seen, especially against light-colored sheets or bare mattresses and furniture.

How do you get bed bugs to go away?

Bed bugs are nearly impossible to drive out of your home. They require special treatments, and DIY or store-bought remedies rarely work to completely eradicate a bed bug infestation! Store-bought or DIY treatments can actually make the problem worse by driving bed bugs into hiding, where they’ll breed rapidly and re-emerge stronger than ever.

Why are bedbugs so hard to treat?

Bedbugs are highly resilient. They are able to survive for many months without food and can withstand a range of temperatures from near freezing to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Bedbugs are controlled with vigilance, repeat inspection, and treatment by professional pest control companies such as Premier Canine Detection.

Need Relief From Bed Bugs?

If you're dealing with bed bugs in the Bay Area, CA, Premier Canine Detection is here to help! We offer the most accurate canine bed bug inspections and multiple bed bug treatment options for fast relief.

Our residential bed bug control service area includes: