The Most Common Causes of a Bed Bug Infestation

April 1, 2024

Bed bugs are a nightmare that can plague a lot of homes. What's worse is that not everyone shows any symptoms after being bitten by them. According to Forbes, only 30% of people do, but that doesn't mean bed bugs aren't hiding just out of sight. It's hard to do bed bug control without knowing the causes of an infestation. Keep reading to learn more about the most common causes.

Used Furniture

Did you find a really nice piece of used furniture? Don't bring it home. There's a good chance that there might be bed bugs in it. The same goes for things like used luggage, backpacks, or purses. Exercise caution when you see any of these items since you might be bringing some unwanted guests back to your place.

Recent Travel

Did you travel recently? Did you stay at a hotel or a motel? People are always coming and going from them, and despite the best efforts of housekeeping, bedbugs can make their way into the sheets and personal belongings. Then, they can hitch a ride back to your home, and cause a huge infestation.

School or College Stays

Your kid might be picking up a lot more than just good study habits when they go to college. Dorms are another big breeding ground for bed bugs since there are people from all over the country, and even the world, in the dorms. The little pests can go from room to room, make homes in there, and then come back to your place with your kid.

If you know you have bed bugs in your place, don't panic. There are numerous things you can do, including washing all your sheets and putting them in a dryer on very high heat. Then, it's time to call the pros. Bed bugs are a hardy lot. They can survive many things, but they aren't invincible. You can hire professionals to do bed bug control. Once they're finished, you need to follow all their directions to keep your place pest-free.

Are you looking for comprehensive bed bug control? It's what we specialize in, so we'd be happy to get rid of those pests for you. If you're ready to live in a home that's free of bed bugs, contact Rocky Mountain Bed Bug today to learn how we can help you.

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3 Reasons Why DIY Bed Bug Solutions Fail—and What Actually Works

January 15, 2026

Dealing with a bed bug infestation is a nightmare no one wants to face. Yet, many homeowners resort to DIY solutions that often lead to disappointing results. While the lure of a quick fix is tempting, it's important to understand why these home remedies frequently fall short and discover what truly works to rid your home of these persistent pests. 1. The Challenge of Proper Identification The first reason DIY solutions often fail is the difficulty in positively identifying bed bugs. Bed bugs are wingless and reddish-brown in color, ranging from 1mm to 7mm in size, which is roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny, according to the CDC. Identifying these tiny pests can be a challenge, and inaccurate identification can lead to the use of inappropriate treatments, wasting time and resources. 2. The Limitations of Incomplete Treatments Another pitfall of DIY methods is the patchy application of treatments, which rarely target all life stages of the bed bugs. For instance, bed bug eggs can be particularly resilient and are often missed by amateur treatments. This means that even if the adult bed bugs are killed, the eggs can hatch and continue the infestation cycle. To effectively stop an infestation, professional interventions that reach into cracks and crevices are necessary to eliminate eggs, nymphs, and adults alike. 3. The Ineffectiveness of Over-the-Counter Chemicals Lastly, many DIY solutions rely heavily on chemical products that are not potent enough to eradicate an entire infestation. Over-the-counter sprays and repellents might kill a few visible bugs, but bed bugs often hide deep within furniture and walls, evading these superficial treatments. In contrast, professional pest control services employ specialized equipment and strong, targeted insecticides that can penetrate these hidden areas, ensuring a thorough extermination. In conclusion, while DIY bed bug solutions may seem appealing due to their cost-effectiveness, they frequently fail due to factors like misidentification, partial treatment application, and ineffective chemicals. To truly deal with the issue, it's wise to consult professional pest control services that have the expertise and tools necessary for complete eradication. By doing so, homeowners can save time, resources, and ensure peace of mind, knowing they're sleeping in a bed bug-free environment. Be sure to reach out to Rocky Mountain Bed Bug today for more information on our professional bed bug services !