Bed bug infestations may be the last thing you want to think about before drifting off to dreamland, but they are a nightmare turned reality. If you believe or have been notified that you have been exposed to bed bugs, there are a few general steps you’ll need to know right from the start. This gives you the best chance to be prepared to tackle an infestation.

Taking immediate action is essential. The sooner you begin treatment, the quicker you can eliminate them. It may take some time to be 100% sure they are all gone, but the peace of mind will be worth it.

 

Here are our top 5 quick facts you need to know about bed bugs:

 

 

Signs and Symptoms - Knowing the signs and symptoms to look for helps determine whether you genuinely have an infestation. Some individuals don’t react to bed bug bites, while most will show red, itchy, irritated bumps. Experiencing these symptoms alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have bed bugs, so it’s essential to look for signs of an infestation by examining the seams of your mattress and crevices of your box spring to locate a potential infestation.

 

 Locate - Learning where to look for bed bugs is a significant step. They don’t live on the surface of your bed. They generally prefer tight, dark, and hidden spaces. So you will need to strip the covers and sheets from your bed and inspect them on the seams of your mattress, the head and footboards, the box spring, and the framing underneath. This may be bed bug feces if you see brown or black spots. If you locate any bugs, you will need to identify them to make sure they are bed bugs so you can continue using treatments.

 

 

 

Identify - Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, flat, wingless, and have six legs. If they have recently fed - they will be a reddish-brown color.

 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs—A treatment like Bed Bug Patrol kills bed bugs on contact, generally within 30 minutes to 24 hours of contact. Be sure to completely strip your bed and clear all the furniture where you have discovered the bed bugs before using the treatment. For more in-depth information and a step-by-step guide, access our free in-depth guide.

 

How to prevent them from returning - Follow through with your treatments at home, as directed. Bed bugs are incredibly adept at hiding. Even if you believe you got them all in one treatment, follow up with a second treatment in 1-2 weeks to ensure any stragglers have been treated. Always keep informed about potential infestations of bed bugs when traveling. Be sure to thoroughly check your hotel room before bringing your luggage inside (you can also safely place it in the shower or tub while you search). You can never be too thorough when checking your belongings for hitchhiking bugs.

 

 

Our natural, plant-based Bed Bug Patrol Killer Spray provides an all-natural solution to infestations of bed bugs, as well as fleas, spiders, and other common indoor bugs. Our 100% natural solution is made in the USA. It relies on the power of natural ingredients like citric acid, clove oil, and peppermint oil to naturally deter these bugs from living in your furnishings and upholstery. Just spray our solution on affected surfaces twice per day, and it will get to work on exterminating your bed bugs and preventing their return. To keep you safe from bed bugs on your travels, arm yourself with our Bed Bug Blasting Travel Spray, which comes in a handy, TSA-approved travel-size bottle for your convenience.