Bed Bug FAQ

Q: Is there really a resurgence of bed bugs in the U.S. and how do we know?

Yes, there’s been a significant resurgence of bedbug infestations in the U.S. Nearly all pest control companies, 95 percent, say they’ve dealt with a bed bug case in the past year. That’s a huge jump from before 2000.

Q: Where are bed bugs being found?

Everywhere: homes, hotels, hospitals, schools, offices, stores, theaters, and public transport.

Q: Can bed bugs be found in clean or high-end places?

Yes—cleanliness and luxury do not prevent bed bugs. Infestations occur in five-star hotels and upscale stores alike.

Q: What states have been affected?

All U.S. states have reported infestations. Bed bugs are a national issue with no region spared.

Q: Why are bed bugs so hard to get rid of?

They hide well, move easily, survive long without feeding, and resist extreme temperatures—making them tough to eliminate.

Q: How long can bed bugs live without feeding?

Up to a year or more in some cases.

Q: What temperatures can bed bugs survive?

They can survive near freezing to 122°F, making them resilient in many environments.

Q: What can a consumer do to protect themselves from bed bug infestations?

Inspect surroundings while traveling, check luggage upon return, and contact a pest control pro if infestation is suspected.

Q: Why are bed bugs an issue for hotels, guests, and homeowners?

They bite, spread quickly, and can survive long periods. Infestations can escalate through guest movement and travel.

Q: Are bed bugs only found in beds?

No. They also hide in couches, outlets, baseboards, and other tight spaces.

Is there really a resurgence of bed bugs in the U.S., and how do we know?
Where are bed bugs being found?
Can bed bugs be found in clean or high-end places?
What states have been affected?
Why are bed bugs so hard to get rid of?
How long can bed bugs live without feeding?
What temperatures can bed bugs survive?
What can a consumer do to protect themselves from bed bug infestations?
Why are bed bugs an issue for hotels, guests, and homeowners?
Are bed bugs only found in beds?
How can you control bed bugs?
Can I get sick from bed bugs?

Is there really a resurgence of bed bugs in the U.S., and how do we know?

Yes, there’s been a significant resurgence of bed bug infestations in the U.S. Nearly all pest control companies (95 percent) say they’ve dealt with a bed bug case in the past year. That’s a huge jump from before 2000, when only 25 percent had ever encountered them. And it’s not just the professionals noticing: according to a recent survey by the National Pest Management Association, one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation themselves or knows someone who has, whether at home or while traveling.

Where are bed bugs being found?

Bed bugs aren’t picky about where they settle. Pest control companies are finding them just about everywhere: single-family homes, apartment buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools, college campuses, office buildings, retail stores, movie theaters and even on public transportation.

Can bed bugs be found in clean or high-end places?

Yes—bed bugs don’t care how clean or luxurious a place is. Infestations have been reported in both budget motels and five-star hotels, as well as in upscale clothing stores. No location is truly immune.

What states have been affected?

Bed bug infestations have been reported nationwide, from coast to coast and everywhere in between. According to the Bed Bugs in America survey, 17 percent of respondents in the Northeast, 20 percent in the Midwest, 20 percent in the South, and 19 percent in the West said they had encountered bed bugs. In other words, no region is spared. Bed bugs are a national issue.

Why are bed bugs so hard to get rid of?

What makes bed bugs so difficult to eliminate is their elusive, highly mobile nature. They don’t just hide in beds, they can tuck themselves away in furniture, walls, luggage, and other unexpected places. They’re also incredibly resilient, capable of surviving for long periods without eating and withstanding a wide range of temperatures. Getting rid of them requires vigilance, constant inspections, and treatment by professional bed bug control companies.

How long can bed bugs live without feeding?

Bed bugs can survive for a surprisingly long time without a blood meal—up to a year or more in some cases. Their ability to go dormant makes them especially hard to detect and eliminate, even in places that appear uninhabited or clean.

What temperatures can bed bugs survive?

Bed bugs can live in a surprisingly wide range of temperatures—from near freezing all the way up to 122°F. This makes them difficult to eliminate without targeted, professional treatment.

What can a consumer do to protect themselves from bed bug infestations?

The key to preventing bed bug infestations is staying alert and proactive. Always inspect your surroundings, especially when traveling. After returning home, carefully check your luggage and clothing for any signs of bed bugs. If you suspect an infestation, don’t try to handle it yourself. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help, so it’s best to contact a bed bug control professional right away.

Why are bed bugs an issue for hotels, guests, and homeowners?

Bed bugs pose a serious issue because they bite, often leaving behind itchy, bloody, red welts. Their ability to live for a year without eating makes them extremely difficult to eliminate. Once they get inside a hotel or home, they can spread quickly - from room to room through pipes, vacuum cleaners, luggage, and clothing. In hotels, the problem can worsen when guests switch rooms, potentially carrying the bugs with them and allowing the infestation to spread even further.

Are bed bugs only found in beds?

No, bed bugs are not limited to beds. While mattresses and box springs are common hiding spots, these pests can also be found in chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets, inside cracks and crevices around baseboards, and even behind picture frames. In short, bed bugs can hide pretty much anywhere.

How can you control bed bugs?

Effective bed bug control starts with a thorough inspection by a licensed bed bug professional. Because bed bugs are excellent at hiding in hard-to-reach places, DIY methods are rarely successful. Once the inspection is complete, the professional will work with the customer to develop a tailored treatment plan based on the severity and spread of the infestation. Prompt, expert intervention is essential for successful elimination.

Can I get sick from bed bugs?

Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause itchy, red welts that may become irritated or infected if scratched excessively. While they don’t spread illness, bed bugs can still have a significant impact on your comfort, sleep, and peace of mind.