If you or someone in your household suspects you have bed bugs, request an inspection by a trained professional immediately. Bed bugs are the most misidentified pest problem we handle. If you suspect you have bed bugs and have seen any, please try to document them by either collecting them and setting them in a plastic baggie, or taking a clear photo. Scheduling an inspection immediately is key, as bed bugs reproduce very quickly, and can be extremely difficult to find.
Collect a sample. There are a lot of different biting pests in Southern Arizona. In order to recommend a bed bug treatment, we need to ID them first. If you're unable to collect one, try to take as clear a photo as you can manage. This step can be very important. If a bed bug infestation is new or only a couple weeks old, it can be very difficult to find clear evidence through a visual inspection.
Limit your initial clean up. Most bed bug evidence is found in and around the bed. Most companies are available to complete same day bed bug inspections, so try to hold off on stripping your mattress, box spring, bed frame, or throwing anything out until you have a professional take a look at it first.
Don't throw out your furniture. Bed bug treatments can sometimes be pricy, but these jobs get really expensive when you also have to replace your bedroom furniture. Only rarely is this a necessary step to eradicate a bed bug infestation.
If you're planning on hiring a professional for treatment (highly recommended for bed bugs), don't try to treat with anything before they arrive to assess. Not all pesticides are the same, and some may make a problem worse or may be considered unsafe for interior use.
Make sure you get a warranty. After a feeding, an adult bed bug can live for months without biting again. This means they can harbor under carpet or in a wall void and avoid interacting with treatment, even if a treatment is thorough. Many bed bug services on the market today are offered as "one times", with a 30 day or less guarantee. Make sure you ask and consider guarantees when requesting an inspection or considering hiring for service.
If you think you may have bed bugs, stay cool, calm and collected. Often, they're not bed bugs at all. Call a professional immediately for identification. Time is of the essence!
