How to deal with Bed bugs?

The holiday season is coming to an end, and along with our luggage returning from dream destinations, we can unknowingly bring home some truly unwanted guests – the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius).

This insect is a very unpleasant "souvenir" because it can hide extremely well in its host's home, making eradication difficult. Bed bugs are flat and can easily crawl into narrow cracks between furniture, under upholstered sofas or beds, behind floor moldings, into slits under slatted bed bases, and other inconspicuous hiding places. During the day, they remain hidden, and at night they emerge to feed on exposed parts of their host's body.

Bed bugs feed mainly on the neck, shoulders, and other exposed areas. Feeding lasts about 5–10 minutes. When biting, the bed bug injects an anesthetic, so the bite is painless, redness and itching appear later. If a person encounters bed bugs for the first time, a reaction to the bite may appear up to a week later. After repeated exposure, a reaction usually occurs within eight hours. After feeding, bed bugs retreat back to their hiding spots.

Bite marks appear as red bumps or small welts, often itchy and sometimes with a darker spot in the center. Pest control professionals say that bed bugs "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" – multiple bites often appear close together. Bed bugs can be brought home not only from abroad but also via second-hand furniture, clothing, trains, shared locker rooms, etc.

When to Call a Professional DDD Company

If you notice typical bite marks, it is advisable to contact a specialized DDD (Disinfection, Disinfestation, Deratization) company. If you manage to kill a bed bug, please send a photo via our advisory link. If you've been bitten but haven't caught one, I can come for a visual inspection – I thoroughly check typical hiding spots, look for droppings and shed skins, and set up monitoring traps to confirm their presence.

Keep in mind that bites could also be from mosquitoes, midges, or other pests.

Why You Shouldn't Try to Exterminate Bed Bugs Yourself

Never attempt to eliminate bed bugs on your own. Not only is it unlikely to succeed, but using over-the-counter insecticides can significantly worsen the situation. Weak products are easily survived by bed bugs and can even spread them to other parts of your home. Surviving individuals may form a resistant population.

How Professional Bed Bug Treatment Works

The key to successful eradication is a professional treatment by a trained DDD specialist and close cooperation with the client. Equally important is thorough preparation of the apartment before treatment.

You will need to:

• Bag all clothing in sturdy bags, tie them securely, and wash at 60 °C,

• Clear storage spaces from beds, sofas, wardrobes, and nightstands,

• Remove moldings, uncover bed upholstery, move furniture away from walls, and more.

A detailed guide for preparing your apartment before treatment can be found here:
👉 Preparing Your Apartment for Bed Bug Treatment

Only a properly prepared apartment can be treated effectively.

What I Use During Treatment

I have carried out numerous successful bed bug treatments. Beyond the essential apartment preparation, thoroughness is crucial – I apply insecticide everywhere bed bugs can hide, and I know their hiding places well.

I use a special professional insecticide combining:

• Insect growth regulator (IGR / growth blocker),

• Acute pyrethroid,

• Metabolic component.

This formulation combines the advantages of microcapsules and a water-based emulsion. It is highly effective because individuals that survive the lethal components have their development stopped – they never reach adulthood and soon die.

During treatment, I apply the insecticide in a sufficiently thick layer to create a residual protective film lasting at least 14 days, ensuring long-term effect.

As a supplement, I sometimes use a steam generator to treat items that cannot be sprayed chemically and to effectively eliminate bed bug eggs. For electrical outlets, I use a special insecticidal dust.

The treatment must always be repeated after 14 days to ensure complete elimination of all adults and newly hatched bed bugs.

How Much Does Bed Bug Treatment Cost?

The cost of a single treatment varies depending on the size of the area and the extent of infestation. An overview of approximate prices can be found here:
👉 Approximate Bed Bug Treatment Prices

Summary

Successful bed bug eradication requires professional expertise, proper apartment preparation, and careful execution. The good news is that with two professional visits and proper preparation, I guarantee effective elimination of bed bugs!

If you suspect an infestation, don't hesitate to contact me. I am happy to help.