Bed Bugs
Live Bed Bug-Free with Pointe!
Pointe Pest Control is committed to keeping your home pest-free in every season. Our team of experienced and state-certified technicians is dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services for the Western Illinois and Eastern Missouri areas. If a pest problem is not completely resolved after a visit, our technicians will return until it is eliminated.
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Pointe Understands Bed Bugs
The Process of Infiltration
The Introduction Of An Invasion
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I really appreciated this company
No evidence of bed bugs was found, but he told me specifically what to watch for just in case because of the unit above mine having some. I really appreciated this company’s response and service.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs
Why are bed bugs such a serious pest problem?
Bed bugs are serious pests because they feed exclusively on the blood of mammals, which means humans become their primary food source inside homes. Their bites cause red, itchy welts and often disrupt sleep for extended periods.
Unlike many pests, bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or poor sanitation. Any home, hotel, or business can experience an infestation if bed bugs are introduced.
Because they reproduce quickly and hide extremely well, professional treatment is essential to fully eliminate a bed bug problem.
How do bed bugs usually get inside a home or business?
Bed bugs do not have wings, so they rely on hitchhiking to move from place to place. They commonly travel on suitcases, clothing, backpacks, purses, and other personal belongings.
Locations with frequent visitors such as hotels, schools, offices, restaurants, and movie theaters are common sources of exposure. However, bed bugs can be picked up anywhere people spend extended periods of time.
Once inside, bed bugs leave the item they arrived on and find hidden areas to settle near their hosts.
Where do bed bugs hide during the day?
Bed bugs prefer to hide in dark, tight spaces close to where people sleep or sit for long periods. Common hiding spots include mattresses, box springs, bed frames, couches, and upholstered furniture.
They can also be found in electrical outlets, drawers, rugs, behind wallpaper, and inside cracks and crevices. Their ability to flatten their bodies allows them to hide in extremely small spaces.
Because of their hiding behavior, bed bug infestations often go unnoticed until bites become frequent.
Why are bed bugs most active at night?
Bed bugs are nocturnal and feed primarily at night when humans are asleep. They are drawn to carbon dioxide released during breathing and the warmth of the human body.
At night, movement is limited, allowing bed bugs to feed without being disturbed. This makes nighttime the safest feeding window for them.
Because feeding happens while people sleep, many individuals are unaware of the infestation until bite patterns become noticeable.
How can I tell if I have a bed bug infestation?
One of the most common signs of bed bugs is the appearance of red, itchy bites on exposed skin. Bed bug bites often appear in straight lines or clusters rather than scattered randomly.
Other signs include reddish-brown stains on sheets and mattresses, which result from crushed bed bugs or their feces. Egg casings and shed skins may also be present in severe infestations.
Because bed bugs hide so effectively, professional inspection is often the most reliable way to confirm an infestation.
Do bed bugs reproduce quickly?
Yes. Female bed bugs can lay up to 20 eggs after a single blood meal and may continue laying eggs for several days. This rapid reproduction allows infestations to grow quickly.
The only requirement for egg production is daily feeding on blood. Once eggs hatch, the young bed bugs feed on the same host.
Without professional treatment, populations can increase significantly in a short period of time.
How does Pointe Pest Control inspect for bed bugs?
Bed bug control begins with a detailed inspection by trained technicians. The goal is to locate hiding areas, determine infestation size, and identify high-activity zones.
Technicians inspect sleeping areas, furniture, cracks, and other common hiding spots. This inspection ensures treatments are targeted and effective.
Accurate inspection is critical to ensure no areas are missed during treatment.
What bed bug treatments does Pointe Pest Control use?
Pointe Pest Control uses a combination of heat treatments and liquid treatments to eliminate bed bugs. Heat treatments raise the temperature of the home to levels lethal to bed bugs.
Liquid treatments are applied in concentrated areas where bed bugs are likely to hide. This combination ensures thorough coverage.
Treatments are selected based on infestation severity and inspection findings.
How does heat treatment eliminate bed bugs?
Heat treatment works by raising indoor temperatures to approximately 122 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, bed bugs of all life stages are killed.
The process turns the home into a carefully monitored environment to ensure even heat distribution. This allows bed bugs hiding deep in furniture and walls to be eliminated.
Heat treatment is especially effective because bed bugs cannot escape extreme temperatures.
Are bed bug treatments safe for families and pets?
Yes. Bed bug treatments are performed by trained, state-licensed technicians using EPA-approved methods. Safety is a top priority during every service.
Technicians provide instructions before and after treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness. Careful monitoring during heat treatment ensures controlled conditions.
This approach allows effective elimination without unnecessary chemical exposure.
Why are store-bought bed bug products often ineffective?
Bed bugs can hide until store-bought chemicals dissipate, allowing them to survive treatments. They can also live for months without feeding, making DIY solutions unreliable.
Because bed bugs hide in tight spaces, surface sprays rarely reach all life stages. This allows infestations to persist.
Professional treatment addresses the entire infestation rather than only visible bugs.
Can bed bugs spread diseases?
Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and significant discomfort.
The lack of sleep caused by repeated bites can negatively affect physical and mental well-being. Light sleepers may be especially impacted.
For these reasons alone, prompt bed bug elimination is strongly recommended.
What should I do with personal items during a bed bug infestation?
Certain items such as clothing, blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals can be placed in a dryer on high heat for about 30 minutes. Heat kills bed bugs at all life stages.
Luggage, backpacks, and purses should be inspected carefully and cleaned with disinfecting wipes. Manufacturer instructions should always be checked first.
These steps help reduce spread but should not replace professional treatment.
How long does bed bug treatment take to work?
Heat treatments often eliminate most bed bugs in a single service. Liquid treatments provide additional support for stubborn or concentrated areas.
Final inspections ensure that no bed bugs remain after treatment. This layered approach increases success rates.
Complete elimination depends on infestation severity and treatment scope.
Can bed bugs infest clean homes and businesses?
Yes. Bed bugs are not attracted to filth or food waste. They invade any location where people are present for extended periods.
Clean homes, hotels, offices, and schools can all experience infestations. Cleanliness alone does not prevent bed bugs.
Prevention relies on early detection and professional intervention.
What happens if bed bugs return after treatment?
If bed bugs are not fully eliminated, Pointe Pest Control technicians will return to address the issue. Services include follow-up inspections and continued treatment as needed.
The job is not considered complete until all bed bugs are gone. Customer peace of mind is a priority.
This commitment ensures lasting relief and a bed bug-free home.