Bed Bug Exterminator
Columbus Ohio

Bed bugs are not a cleanliness issue. They are hitchhikers and are commonly brought into homes through travel, luggage, clothing, used furniture, or overnight guests. Bed bugs are attracted to people, not dirt or food, and can infest even the cleanest homes. Early detection and professional treatment are key to stopping bed bugs from spreading and becoming a larger problem.

People react differently to bed bug bites. Some individuals develop itchy, visible bite marks, while others may have little to no reaction at all, even if they’re being bitten. Bed bugs don’t prefer one person over another—they feed on whoever is available—but skin sensitivity and immune response determine whether bites show up or cause irritation. This difference in reactions is common and doesn’t mean bed bugs are only biting one person.

1. Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, although they are small and good at hiding. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, flat, and reddish-brown in color. After feeding, they may appear darker and more swollen. Younger bed bugs (nymphs) are smaller and lighter in color, which can make them harder to spot. Common signs of bed bugs include itchy bite marks, often appearing in clusters or lines on exposed skin, small dark spots on sheets or mattresses (droppings), rust-colored stains from crushed bugs, and shed skins near mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and furniture. Because bed bugs hide in tight cracks and crevices, a professional inspection is often the best way to confirm activity and determine the proper treatment.

Bed bugs hide in tight cracks and crevices, especially close to where people sleep or rest. Common places to check include the entire bed (mattress seams, tags, and edges; box springs, especially along the fabric and frame; frames and headboards, and footboards; Nightstands and nearby furniture, including drawer seams, any Upholstered furniture, cushions, and seams; Baseboards, wall cracks, and electrical outlets near beds; Behind picture frames, mirrors, and loose wallpaper.  Because bed bugs are small, flat, and excellent at hiding, they’re not always easy to find. If you suspect activity but don’t see clear signs, a professional inspection can help confirm whether bed bugs are present and identify the extent of the problem.

In most cases, no. Bed bugs rarely stay confined to a single room. They can travel through wall voids, electrical outlets, baseboards, and furniture, spreading to nearby rooms even if activity is only noticed in one area. Treating just one room often allows bed bugs to survive and reappear. A professional inspection is the best way to determine how far bed bugs have spread and to create a treatment plan that fully addresses the problem and prevents reinfestation.

In most cases, no. Bed bugs can usually be eliminated with proper professional treatment, and furniture does not typically need to be discarded. Mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture can often be treated successfully when handled correctly. Throwing away furniture without treatment can sometimes make the problem worse by spreading bed bugs to other areas. A professional inspection can determine what can be treated, what may need special attention, and whether anything truly needs to be removed.

Yes. They can cling to bags, luggage, and clothing to reach new places.

While no method is foolproof, a few smart precautions can greatly reduce your risk:

• Inspect your room upon arrival, especially mattress seams, headboards, and nightstands.
• Keep luggage off the bed and floor—use a luggage rack or place bags in the bathroom while inspecting.
• Store clothing in sealed bags inside your suitcase.
• Avoid placing personal items in drawers or on upholstered furniture.
• Upon returning home, limit where you place the luggage. Unpack directly into the washer. Wash and dry clothes on high heat, which kills bed bugs.
• Store suitcases after traveling in a garage or other areas away from sleeping areas.

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, but staying alert while traveling helps prevent them from coming home with you

While flea bites and bed bug bites can look similar, there are a few key differences that can help tell them apart. Flea bites most often appear on the lower legs, ankles, and feet. They are usually small, red, and itchy, sometimes with a tiny red dot in the center. Flea bites tend to be scattered or appear in small clusters and are commonly associated with pets or carpeted areas. Bed bug bites typically show up on exposed skin such as the arms, neck, shoulders, or face. They often appear in a line or grouped pattern (sometimes called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”) and may become swollen or itchy hours or even days after being bitten.  Because reactions can vary from person to person, bites alone aren’t always enough to confirm the pest. A professional inspection can help identify the source and ensure the correct treatment is used.

Seeing a single bed bug doesn’t always mean you have a full infestation, but it is a sign to stay alert. Bed bugs are excellent at hiding, so it’s important to watch for additional signs such as bites, dark spots on bedding, or shed skins. Avoid moving furniture or belongings between rooms, as this can spread them. If possible, capture the bug or take a clear photo for identification. Washing and drying bedding and recently worn clothing on high heat and scheduling a professional inspection can help confirm whether there is additional activity and prevent a larger problem.

Try not to panic—bed bugs are not guaranteed to spread from a single visit. Bed bugs typically travel by hitchhiking on personal belongings, so the risk depends on whether items like bags, coats, or luggage were brought inside.

As a precaution, you can:

• Inspect areas where the guest spent time, especially seating, bedding, or floors near entry points
• Wash and dry any linens or clothing they may have used on high heat
• Vacuum upholstered furniture, rugs, and entry areas, then dispose of the vacuum contents promptly
• Monitor for signs such as bites, dark spots, or shed skins over the next few weeks

If you notice any signs or want peace of mind, a professional inspection can help confirm whether there’s any activity and address concerns early—before a problem has a chance to develop

Bed bugs can end up in cars, but it’s not common. They don’t live in vehicles long-term because cars lack the stable conditions they need. However, bed bugs can occasionally hitch a ride in a car on clothing, bags, or personal items, especially after travel or visiting an infested location. If you’re concerned, inspect areas like seat seams, floor mats, and storage compartments, and avoid leaving bags or clothing in the car. If bed bugs are suspected, a professional can help confirm activity and recommend next steps

It’s not unusual to see some bed bug activity shortly after treatment. Bed bug treatments are designed to target hiding areas and the full life cycle, and as remaining bugs move through treated spaces, they may become visible before they are eliminated. This does not mean the treatment failed. Activity should steadily decrease over time. It’s important to follow all preparation and post-treatment instructions and avoid moving items between rooms, which can interfere with results. If bed bug activity continues beyond the expected timeframe, contact us—our team will evaluate the situation and determine whether additional follow-up treatment is needed to fully resolve the issue.

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to eliminate, so it’s not realistic for any company to promise instant or absolute results. Professional treatment greatly improves the chances of full control when combined with proper preparation and follow-up.  It’s also important to understand that bed bugs are hitchhikers. If you continue to travel to, work in, or visit places where bed bugs are present, there is a risk of bringing them back home again, even after treatment. This doesn’t mean treatment wasn’t effective—it means new bed bugs can be reintroduced.  Successful bed bug control depends on the level of infestation, following preparation and post-treatment instructions, and minimizing exposure to infested environments. If activity continues, we work with you to evaluate next steps and determine whether additional treatment is needed to fully resolve the issue

You may be able to reduce bed bug activity with DIY products, but completely eliminating bed bugs on your own is very difficult. Bed bugs hide in tiny cracks and crevices, reproduce quickly, and require treatments that target multiple life stages. Store-bought products often don’t reach hiding areas or may push bed bugs deeper into walls and furniture.  Professional treatment uses proven products, proper application techniques, and follow-up strategies to address the infestation thoroughly. This approach is safer, more effective, and typically resolves the problem faster than repeated DIY attempts.