Bed Bugs: What They Are, How They Spread, and How to Get Rid of Them

 

When people think about pests, ants and spiders might come to mind first. But ask anyone who’s dealt with bed bugs, and they’ll tell you these tiny insects are on a different level of stress. Bed bugs are hard to spot, harder to eliminate, and quick to spread – making them one of the most frustrating pests to face in both homes and businesses.

At A-1 Able Pest Doctors, we’ve been helping families and companies across Dayton, Springfield, Troy, and the Miami Valley since 1936. As a woman-owned company and four-time Best of Dayton winner, we know what it takes to restore peace of mind when bed bugs make an unwelcome appearance.

This guide will break down where bed bugs come from, how to identify them, why they’re so persistent, and – most importantly – how to get rid of them safely and effectively.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs don’t just “appear” out of nowhere. In fact, the most common way they enter your home or business is by hitchhiking. They can travel on luggage, furniture, clothing, or even inside vehicles. Keywords like how bed bugs come or how bed bugs get in your house often pop up because most people are shocked to learn they unknowingly carried them inside.

• Travel: Hotels, buses, airplanes, and ride-shares are common sources.
• Used furniture: A “great deal” on a mattress or couch can come with an invisible infestation.
• Visitors: Bed bugs can travel in on the clothing or bags of guests.
• Apartments & condos: They can move through walls, wiring, and shared spaces.

It’s important to remember – bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene. They feed on blood, not dirt. Clean homes, luxury hotels, and well-kept businesses are all equally vulnerable.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Many people ask how bed bugs look like or confuse their bites with mosquito bites or even poison ivy. Bed bugs are small (about the size of an apple seed), reddish-brown, and oval-shaped. They don’t jump or fly, but they move quickly and hide in cracks and crevices.

Signs you might be dealing with bed bugs include:

• Itchy, clustered bites (often on arms, legs, or torso).
• Rust-colored spots on sheets or furniture (from droppings or crushed bugs).
• Small white eggs or eggshells in seams of mattresses.
• A musty odor (many wonder why bed bugs smell bad – it comes from pheromones they release in large numbers).

Comparisons help, too:

• Bed bugs vs. chigger bites: Chigger bites are usually outdoors and very itchy, while bed bug bites often appear after sleeping.
• Bed bugs vs. flea bites: Flea bites are common on ankles, while bed bug bites can appear anywhere on the body.
• Bed bugs vs. mosquito bites: Mosquito bites are usually larger and random, while bed bug bites often form in clusters or lines.

Common Myths About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are surrounded by myths – and those myths often lead to wasted time and money.

• Can bed bugs get in your hair? No. Unlike lice, they don’t live on the human body.
• Bed bugs can they live outside? Rarely, and not for long. They prefer warm indoor environments.
• Why bed bugs only bite me? They bite everyone, but some people react more strongly to bites while others barely notice.
• Can bed bugs survive in water? Not for long – drowning isn’t a reliable way to eliminate them.
• Do bed bugs like dirty laundry? Yes, actually – they’re attracted to human scent and warmth, not dirt itself.

Why Bed Bugs Are a Problem

Beyond the itchy bites and sleepless nights, bed bugs create stress and embarrassment. Many people worry about how to explain them to guests or clients. Some ask, will bed bugs make you sick? While they don’t transmit disease, the constant irritation, scratching, and anxiety can take a real toll.

Financially, they can be devastating if left untreated. Replacing furniture, mattresses, or even losing business because of an infestation adds up quickly.

DIY vs. Professional Solutions

This is where keywords like bed bugs can you get rid of them or is it possible to get rid of bed bugs come into play. The reality is, DIY rarely works. Sprays, home remedies like baking soda, or even bed bugs 90 alcohol solutions don’t eliminate infestations. They might kill a few on contact, but they won’t reach eggs, hidden bugs, or secondary colonies.

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Without professional inspection and treatment, most infestations resurface – often worse than before.

A-1 Able’s Bed Bug Solutions

At A-1 Able Pest Doctors, we understand that bed bugs aren’t just another pest – they’re a disruption to your life. That’s why we offer:

• Safe, effective, and fast treatments designed to eliminate bed bugs completely.
• Financing options with 0% for 12 months, so families don’t have to choose between peace of mind and their budget.
• One and Done solutions for businesses that need reliable, discreet elimination to protect their reputation.
• Decades of experience – since 1936, we’ve been Dayton’s trusted pest control experts.

Our approach is thorough, humane, and proven to work. We don’t just treat the surface – we get to the root of the problem.

Conclusion: Peace of Mind Is Worth Fighting For

When it comes to bed bugs, ignoring the problem or hoping for quick fixes only makes things worse. Whether at home or in your business, the peace and safety you deserve are worth fighting for.

A-1 Able Pest Doctors is here to deliver real solutions that work. Local, woman-owned, and voted Best of Dayton four years in a row, we’re proud to be the team that Dayton, Springfield, and Troy trusts.

Don’t let bed bugs steal your sleep, your confidence, or your peace of mind. Contact A-1 Able Pest Doctors today – because when it comes to pest control, remember: All our patients die.