Small Pests. Big Problems.
Bed bugs are tiny, blood-feeding insects that can cause major discomfort and disruption in homes, apartments, hotels, and commercial properties. Though they don’t spread disease, their bites can lead to itching, allergic reactions, sleepless nights, and costly infestations if not addressed early. At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we offer discreet, effective bed bug inspections and treatments designed to eliminate infestations quickly and prevent them from coming back. Whether you’re dealing with a mild issue or a widespread outbreak, our experienced technicians have the tools and strategies to resolve it.
Common Types of Bed Bugs
There are several species of bed bugs, but only a few are commonly found in human environments:
Cimex lectularius (Common Bed Bug)
- Found worldwide in homes, hotels, and multi-family housing
- Feeds primarily on human blood
- Most active at night and highly adaptable to indoor environments
- The most frequently encountered species in North America
Cimex hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug)
- Similar in appearance to the common bed bug
- Prefers warmer climates—more common in tropical and subtropical regions
- Becoming increasingly prevalent in southern U.S. states
- Can spread rapidly in multi-unit buildings and hotels
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
- Flat, oval-shaped bodies
- Reddish-brown in color
- About 1/4 inch long (similar in size to an apple seed)
- Swell and darken after feeding
They are skilled at hiding in tiny cracks and crevices, making them difficult to spot without a professional inspection.
Where Bed Bugs Hide
- Mattress seams and box springs
- Bed frames and headboards
- Behind baseboards, outlets, or wallpaper
- In couches, chairs, and curtain folds
- Inside luggage, clothing, and personal belongings
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, spreading easily between rooms, units, and properties through infested items or shared spaces.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
- Small, itchy bites in rows or clusters—often on arms, legs, or back
- Tiny black or brown fecal spots on sheets, mattresses, or walls
- Rust-colored stains from crushed bed bugs
- Molted skins or shed exoskeletons in furniture crevices
- Musty, sweet odor (more common in severe infestations)
- Live bed bugs seen in mattress seams or furniture joints
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
While bed bugs are not known to spread disease, their presence can cause:
- Persistent itching and skin irritation
- Allergic reactions and secondary infections
- Insomnia, anxiety, and stress
- Reputation damage in hospitality, healthcare, and multi-tenant housing
- Expensive remediation if not addressed early
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
- Inspect hotel mattresses and headboards while traveling
- Avoid bringing secondhand furniture into your home
- Use protective mattress and box spring encasements
- Reduce bedroom clutter and vacuum regularly
- Wash and dry clothing on high heat after travel
- Encourage early reporting in multi-unit properties
Our Bed Bug Control Approach
DIY sprays and over-the-counter treatments often miss the hidden eggs and breeding sites that allow bed bugs to return. At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we create customized bed bug control plans based on the severity of the infestation and where activity is detected. Our licensed technicians use targeted, EPA-registered treatments to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of life—eggs, nymphs, and adults—ensuring long-term protection and peace of mind.
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