Signs You Need Bed Bug Extermination
Bites in rows or clusters, especially on arms, legs, or back
Small blood spots on sheets or pillowcases
Dark fecal spots on mattress, box spring, or furniture
Musty, sweet odor in bedroom
Live bed bugs in mattress seams or headboard
Tiny white eggs or shed skins
Bites appearing after traveling or purchasing used furniture
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects belonging to the genus Cimex that feed on blood. They are mostly active at night but will seek blood meals during the day too.
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Many people believe the false idea that bed bugs are found in unclean conditions and dirty houses, and when an infestation occurs, they are often embarrassed to seek help from a qualified exterminator.
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The myths are totally false. Bed bugs are simply opportunistic, traveling insects. If you’ve been on vacation, bed bugs could have hitched a ride home in your luggage. Visiting relatives or friends? They could have found their way into your purse. Did you purchase used furniture? They were waiting in the upholstery.
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Bed bugs develop through five immature stages, called instars, before becoming adults. They need a blood meal to molt and move from one stage to the next. Once they reach adulthood, they can reproduce. Bed bugs can also survive for long periods between blood meals, allowing them to remain hidden and wait for another opportunity to feed.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
It’s best to identify bed bugs early. Once established, infestations are more difficult to deal with and they spread to other areas of your home.
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Unfortunately, other insects like carpet beetles, can be mistaken for bed bugs. And bed bug bites can look like mosquito bites or chigger bites.
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The best approach is to look for physical signs of bed bugs when you are changing bedding or cleaning furniture. Look for rusty or reddish stains and dark spots bed bugs leave behind. Check for tiny clear-like eggs and castings, and of course, live bed bugs.
Some Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Bed Bugs
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They have been traced back to biblical times.
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They are not known to carry or transmit diseases.
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Experts theorized when early man left cave living, the bed bug went with them and adapted. Evidence that supports the theory is that the insect known as the bat bug is a twin to the bed bug when looking with the naked eye. A microscope is needed to differentiate the two.
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Bed bugs will feed on warm blooded animals including cats and dogs. It is important to inspect pet sleeping areas when preforming an inspection for bed bugs.
Your Pest Control Questions Answered
We serve homeowners and businesses across four Western Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Westmoreland, Butler and Washington. That includes Pittsburgh, McKeesport, Murrysville, Monroeville, Penn Hills, West Mifflin, Wexford, Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley.
Yes. Same-day appointments are available across many of our service areas. Call 412-672-7378 or request an appointment online and we'll get back to you quickly.
We provide complete pest management for homes and businesses throughout Greater Pittsburgh. Our services cover general pests (ants, spiders and cockroaches), rodents, termites, bed bugs, stinging insects, wildlife, bats and birds, and mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. We also build customized programs for commercial properties.
Pricing depends on the pest, property size, infestation level and treatment required. As a guide, rodent control starts at $199–$269, ant treatments at $199–$249 (excluding carpenter ants), stinging insects at $225+, and bed bugs and termites at $1,200–$2,500. See our Pricing Guide for more detail.
The process has four steps. You tell us what pest problem you're dealing with, then a qualified technician inspects the property and identifies the source. We apply a targeted treatment for your situation, then provide recommendations and follow-up where appropriate to help keep pests out.