Bed bugs are a real threat to properties, as they are quite sneaky and can spread in a building, creating anxiety and potentially damaging your brand image. Also, when a bed bug problem exists for a while without action being taken, it is harder to control, so it’s crucial to detect it as soon as possible. If you have seen signs that suggest bed bugs could be present, you should get in touch with a pest control company for an inspection at the first chance you get.

Apex Environmental Leeds conducts thorough inspections that will assess whether bed bug activity is present, we have a great depth of expertise in bed bug control, and we can tailor our treatments toward your needs. Although you may think you can tell whether these pests are inside by yourself, you may miss hiding places or signals that they are there. Apex Environmental Leeds inspector who visits your home or business will be trained in bed bug inspection, so you can be confident that any problems will be caught.

When Apex Environmental Leeds does bed bug inspections, we look for some signs that indicate they could be present. Red flags include:

• Fecal spots - on a soft surface they can look like marks from a fabric marker and on a hard surface they can look like a black bump.

• Shed bug bug skins - bed bugs shed their skin multiple times during their lives.

• The actual bed bugs - learn more about bed bug identification here.

• Blood spots on pillowcases and sheets - this comes from human blood.

You should look for these signs as well around your property so you can tell whether you need to contact a pest control professional. Also, if you’re traveling and notice any bed bug warning signs at a hotel or other location, speak up about the issue.

Like most forms of pest control, many people don’t think about what can be done to prevent bed bugs until they already have a problem. Luckily, there are a few steps to be taken that help to prevent bed bug infestations.

Be sure to vacuum often and do your best to reduce clutter, making sure that bed bugs have no way to build up a colony. Keep an eye on your pets and their collars, leashes, toys, etc. to ensure they aren’t bringing any bed bugs in. When traveling, keep your clothing and luggage off of hotel floors and mattresses, and wash your clothes in hot water when you return.

Before you have a bed bug inspection with Apex Environmental Leeds, it is helpful to know what to expect. One of our representatives will speak with you about your issue. Apex Environmental Leeds representative may ask you about the factors that suggest you are dealing with a bed bug problem and the areas where you and other property inhabitants sleep or spend a lot of time sitting so we know where to inspect. The inspection will begin in a place where people within the property sleep, rest or sit - commonly this will be your bed. It could also include a couch or a reclining chair.

Apex Environmental Leeds provides bed bug inspections for both residential and commercial properties, so whether you own a home or operate a hotel, hospital or other business, we can assess your situation and figure out the best way to solve it. The amount of time needed for the inspection will depend on the number of places that bed bugs could be infesting. You can expect to receive a thorough inspection but we remain respectful of your time and aim to work in an efficient manner.

You should not need to prepare much for the bed bug inspection; however, please remove trash or dirty laundry that happens to be lying around.

There are multiple ways to eliminate bed bugs, with each method offering its own advantages depending on the level of the infestation and the area the bugs inhabit. Some treatment types include:

• Chemical treatments: Often referred to as pesticide treatments, a chemical bed bug treatment involves a professional applying toxic chemicals in both liquid and powder form. This method is not usually considered to be reliable on its own and is generally used in conjunction with other methods.

• Fumigation: This is also called tenting by many exterminators. For a fumigation treatment, the home is closed off with tarpaulin and filled with a poisonous gas circulated by fans to kill any invading pests. It is highly effective, but requires you to leave your home for several days.

• Heat treatments: In this method of bed bug removal, an exterminator sends hot air into the space the bed bugs occupy to bring the temperature above 120 degrees. Bed bugs have a very low heat tolerance, making it an ideal treatment. However, it does nothing to prevent future infestations, so it often best to use it in combination with chemicals.

• Steam treatments: Involving no chemicals, steam treatments are incredibly potent and eliminate both the adults and the eggs, wiping out the colony completely. Steam treatments also penetrate furniture, ensuring all the insects are killed.

Even after your home has been treated for bed bugs, these pests can be reintroduced. The best way to prevent bed bugs from entering your home is to be very cautious about what you are bringing into your home. When you travel, inspect your sleeping accommodations to ensure that the mattress, box spring, headboard and sheets are free of bugs themselves or the small dark or red spots or stains which might indicate a problem.

When you return, unpack your suitcase in your garage and place your clothes directly into your washer and wash them with hot water or run a dry cycle. Inspect your luggage carefully before bringing it inside or put it in a large garbage bag with no-pest strips for a few weeks to eliminate any potential stowaways.

If you buy used furniture or clothing, examine it carefully for bed bugs, droppings or other warning signs before bringing it into your home. Bed bugs are opportunistic, so if you don’t give them the opportunity to get into your home, they can’t become established. If you see any signs bed bugs have returned, contact us immediately so we can take care of the problem.