You found one or two bed bugs crawling around your home, and you’re worried it could be something bigger. Is it only a minor hiccup, or are there more hiding places filled with bugs you can’t see? Ultimately, it could be one or two insects, but this isn’t likely. There is a good chance you’re facing a rapidly growing bed bug infestation that will soon become a full-blown problem.
When you find bed bugs in your home, calling an exterminator is the best reaction. If it is only one, a professional will put your mind at ease and help you control bed bugs before they spread. If you’re dealing with a bigger bug infestation, they’ll take care of it for you. Before choosing among pest control companies, obtain quotes from several so you can get the best deal.
Why A Few Bed Bugs Matter
Bedbugs rarely travel alone. If you see one, there are likely many more hidden in box springs, bed frames, mattresses, upholstered furniture, or other items. It could be only one, but you don’t want to risk it. When dealing with insects like this, it’s better to prepare for the worst.
A female bedbug can lay as many as 500 eggs in her lifetime. Under favorable conditions, she can create a bedbug infestation by herself. That means even a single bedbug carried inside through suitcase stands, furniture, or loose wallpaper can cause problems.
Bedbugs are tiny, often no larger than an apple seed. They are reddish brown, flat, and extremely thin, making them experts at slipping into cracks, crevices, mattress seams, peeling paint, electrical outlets, and baseboards.
Difficulty of Spotting Bed Bugs
Bedbugs know how to hide better than many other pests. Their small size and reddish-brown color allow them to blend with beds, chairs, cushions, rugs, and walls. Unlike mosquitoes or flies, they do not fly — they crawl.
They usually come out at night while you’re sleeping. Some bedbug bites result in red rashes, hives, or allergic reactions, while others may not cause noticeable symptoms. Because of this, many people don’t realize they’ve been bitten and delay calling a professional.
Bedbug Appearances
If you suspect you’ve seen one, here’s how to identify it. Bedbugs are:
Small, usually under 7mm
Oval and flat when unfed
Reddish brown after feeding on blood
Equipped with six legs and antennae
They are often mistaken for fleas, cockroach nymphs, or carpet beetles.
What To Look For To Find Bedbugs
If you think you might have an infestation, inspect your home for these signs:
Bloodstains on sheets or pillowcases
Exoskeletons (shed skins) that resemble clear bugs
Eggs and egg casings tucked in tiny crevices
Fecal spots that look like tiny ink dots
A musty odor around beds and bedroom furniture
Bites on the skin – red, itchy welts that sometimes cause severe reactions
Check mattresses, mattress seams, box springs, floors, baseboards, other furniture, and cluttered rooms. Bedbugs may also spread through apartments, cruise ships, and hotels, hiding for several months without feeding.
Finding Bedbugs in Your Home
Start your inspection in the bedroom, where they usually gather. Remove bedding, lift mattresses, and check the bed frames, cracks, and mattress seams. Inspect loose wallpaper, peeling paint, cushions, and upholstered furniture. Don’t forget to check bags, suitcase stands, and clutter, since they are common hiding places.
Use a vacuum to help in your search, and wash linens in a hot dryer to kill hidden eggs and bugs. If you find clear evidence of a bedbug infestation, it’s time to call a professional.
Why You Need A Professional Exterminator
Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate. DIY methods and over-the-counter pesticides may reduce numbers but won’t guarantee long-lasting results. Professionals use high heat treatments, targeted applications, and safe methods approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure your home is properly treated.
Left unchecked, infestations may lead to ongoing bedbug bites, loss of sleep, and potential allergic reactions. Some people even experience severe reactions that require medical care.
Questions & Answers
Is It Only One Bug?
It might be, but it’s unlikely. Even one bedbug could mean more are hiding in mattress seams, cracks, and upholstered furniture.
What Should I Do?
Call a professional right away. Don’t wait — bedbugs can survive for several months without feeding and spread quickly.
How Many Bedbugs Make An Infestation?
There’s no fixed number. An infestation might start with 20, but can grow into hundreds. The important step is to act fast.
Contact Us – Bed Bug Exterminator Dallas
Dealing with bedbugs can be one of the most stressful experiences a homeowner or business owner faces. At Bed Bug Exterminator Dallas, we eliminate bedbug infestations quickly, safely, and effectively.
Our licensed technicians specialize in professional treatments for apartments, homes, and businesses across Dallas. We use advanced methods like heat treatment, high heat drying, and integrated pest control strategies that target bugs in hiding places like box springs, furniture, baseboards, and walls.
From the first inspection to the last follow-up, we’re committed to protecting your health and peace of mind. Whether you’re experiencing a few suspicious bites or a severe infestation, we’re here to help you rid your home of bedbugs and restore comfort. Call us today (214) 220-8835.