Bed Bug FAQs

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are a growing problem in Memphis due to increased travel, densely populated housing, and the warm, humid climate, which makes it easier for them to thrive and spread. Bed bugs can quickly infest homes, hotels, apartments, and even public spaces, causing itchy bites and stress.

Common signs of a bed bug infestation include:

Bites: Red, itchy welts on your skin, often in clusters or rows.
Stains: Reddish or rust-colored spots on sheets or mattresses (from crushed bugs or their droppings).
Eggs: Tiny, white, oval eggs in cracks, crevices, or mattress seams.
Live bugs: You may see small, flat insects about the size of an apple seed hiding in furniture, bed frames, or baseboards. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection can confirm the presence of bed bugs.

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can spread easily in Memphis due to:

Travel: Bed bugs can enter your home through luggage, clothing, or belongings after staying in infested hotels or Airbnbs.

Used furniture: Purchasing secondhand furniture, especially mattresses or couches, can introduce bed bugs.

Apartments: Living in multi-unit housing increases the risk, as bed bugs can move between units through walls, vents, or electrical outlets.

Public spaces: Bed bugs can also be picked up in public transit, theaters, libraries, or offices.

Eliminating bed bugs requires persistence and a combination of methods. Options include:

Heat treatment: Professional pest control services can use high temperatures to kill all bed bug life stages, including eggs. This is a highly effective but more expensive method.

Chemical treatments: Insecticides specifically designed for bed bugs can help, but they must be applied carefully and may require multiple treatments.

DIY methods: Vacuuming, washing bedding in hot water (at least 120°F), and sealing infested items in plastic bags can help reduce bed bug populations, but DIY efforts alone are rarely enough to eliminate an infestation. For severe infestations, it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional in Memphis.

Yes! Prevention tips include:

– Inspecting hotel rooms when traveling and keeping luggage off the floor or beds.
– Checking secondhand furniture thoroughly before bringing it into your home.
– Using protective encasements for mattresses and box springs.
– Reducing clutter in your home to eliminate hiding spots.
– Regularly vacuuming and inspecting areas around beds and furniture.

While bed bugs are not known to spread diseases, their bites can cause:

– Itchy, irritating welts that may lead to secondary infections if scratched.
– Allergic reactions in some people.
– Psychological stress and sleep disturbances due to the presence of an infestation.

Yes, professional pest control services are often necessary to fully eradicate bed bugs. These pests are incredibly resilient and can hide in tiny cracks and crevices, making it hard to eliminate them with DIY methods alone. Our team here at Foundation Pest Control have access to tools and treatments that are not available to the general public and know how to safely and effectively handle infestations.

The time required to eliminate bed bugs depends on the severity of the infestation and the methods used. Professional treatments can take 1–2 visits over several weeks, while DIY methods may take months and are often less effective. Acting quickly and involving professionals can significantly speed up the process.

If you rent your apartment in Memphis and discover bed bugs:

– Notify your landlord or property manager immediately. In Tennessee, landlords are required to provide pest-free housing, but tenants are responsible for reporting problems promptly.
– Avoid moving items to other units to prevent spreading the infestation.
– Follow any pest control instructions provided by your landlord or pest management company. Document communication with your landlord to ensure timely action.

Yes, bed bugs are highly resilient and can survive Memphis’ winter because they live indoors where it’s warm. They do not hibernate and will remain active as long as they have access to a food source (you or your pets).