What should I do first if I think I found bed bugs?

Stay calm and avoid sudden actions like moving furniture or throwing items away. The first goal is to avoid spreading bed bugs to new areas.

How can I confirm it’s actually bed bugs?

Adult bed bugs are flat, oval, reddish-brown, and about the size of an apple seed. You may also see shed skins, tiny white eggs, or dark fecal spots near mattress seams and furniture joints.

Should I move my mattress, couch, or furniture out of the room right away?

No. Dragging items around can cause bed bugs to fall off and spread. Keep items in place until you have a plan, ideally with guidance from a professional.

Should I throw away my mattress or bedding immediately?

Usually, no. Disposing of items without proper containment can spread bed bugs, especially in apartments or shared buildings. In many cases, treatment can work without throwing items away.

Can I wash my bedding and clothes right away?

Yes. Heat is one of the best tools. Bag bedding and clothing before moving it, then wash and dry using the hottest settings the fabric allows.

How do I prevent bed bugs from spreading while transporting laundry?

Place items directly into sealed plastic bags before moving them through the home. Do not open the bag until you’re ready to put items into the washer.

After washing, where should I store clean items?

Place cleaned items into new sealed bags or containers and keep them sealed until treatment is completed to help prevent re-infestation.

Do over-the-counter bed bug sprays work?

Many over-the-counter sprays do not eliminate established infestations and can make the problem worse if used incorrectly. Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices that many retail products do not reach effectively.

Are foggers (“bug bombs”) a good idea for bed bugs?

No. Foggers typically do not penetrate deep hiding spots and can drive bed bugs into walls, outlets, and new areas, making the infestation harder to control.

When should I call a professional pest control company?

Within the first 24 hours. Early professional inspection helps confirm the issue, determine how far it has spread, and create a treatment plan that resolves it faster and more reliably.

Prevent Pest Control | Prevent Pest Control

About Prevent Pest Control

Prevent Pest Control has been proudly serving Ohio communities since 1996, delivering expert pest management solutions backed by over two decades of hands-on experience. Our skilled team is equipped to handle a full range of pest problems, from common household nuisances like ants and spiders to more serious infestations involving rodents, termites, and bed bugs.

We offer reliable, customized treatments for both residential and commercial properties, always focused on safety, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Our service area covers much of central and northern Ohio, including major cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati.