Protecting Our Environment Together
Protecting Our Environment Together
Definition:
Bed bugs are small, blood-feeding insects that live in mattresses, bedding, furniture, and walls. They bite humans while they sleep, causing itchy welts and psychological distress.
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Apple seed-sized (5-8mm) |
| Shape | Flat, oval-shaped |
| Color | Reddish-brown (darker when fed) |
| Lifespan | 4-6 months (up to 1 year without feeding) |
| Reproduction | Female lays 200-500 eggs in lifetime |
| Movement | Crawl only (don’t jump or fly) |
| Detection | Often found in mattress seams, headboards, furniture cracks |
Feeding:
Hiding:
Reproduction:
1. Travel (Most Common)
How It Happens:
You sleep in infested bed → Bugs crawl into luggage → You bring them home
Prevention: Inspect hotel mattress/headboard before sleeping; keep luggage elevated (not on floor); wash clothes in hot water when returning home
2. Used Furniture
How It Happens:
Bed bugs hide in used mattresses and furniture → You bring infested items home
Prevention: Inspect all used furniture before bringing it inside; consider heat-treating mattresses; wait 2-4 weeks before bringing secondhand mattresses into home
3. Visiting an Infested Home
How It Happens:
You visit infested home, bed bugs crawl on clothing/luggage → Return home with them
Prevention: Inspect before sleeping; wash clothes in hot water when returning home; check luggage carefully
4. Apartment Building/Multi-Unit Housing
How It Happens:
Neighbor has infestation → Bugs migrate through wall cracks, electrical outlets, pipes
Prevention: Seal cracks in walls; install outlet covers; use interceptor cups under bed legs
5. Visitors
How It Happens:
Visitor’s clothing has bed bugs → They transfer to your furniture/bedding
Prevention: Inspect guest mattresses; wash guest bedding after visits; store visitor luggage in bathroom (away from bedrooms)
Important Note:
Bed bugs are NOT a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. Clean homes get bed bugs as often as dirty homes. Infestations happen to anyone.
1. Bites on Your Body
Where Bites Appear:
Important: Not everyone reacts to bites. Some people show no signs for weeks.
2. Live Bed Bugs in or Around Mattress
What They Look Like:
Action: If you see even ONE live bed bug, contact a professional immediately.
3. Bed Bug Droppings (Fecal Spots)
Size: Pinpoint to 1mm diameter
Where to Find Them:
4. Molted Bed Bug Skins (Exoskeletons)
5. Blood Stains on Sheets or Mattress
6. Musty Odor
| Pest | Bite Pattern | Appearance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed Bugs | Line/cluster | Flat, reddish-brown | Mattress, bedding, furniture |
| Fleas | Random, lower body | Smaller, dark | Carpet, pet areas |
| Lice | Scalp/hair | Tiny, hard to see | Hair only |
| Scabies | Lines, creases | Mites (invisible) | Between fingers, wrists |
| Mosquitoes | Random anywhere | Not on body | Exposed skin |
When in Doubt: Have a professional inspect. Don’t wait.
Short Answer: DIY bed bug treatment has a 5-10% success rate. Professional treatment has a 95%+ success rate.
Problem 1: Eggs Are Hard to Kill
Problem 2: You Miss Hidden Bugs
Problem 3: Store-Bought Treatments Don’t Work
Problem 4: Reinfestation from Missed Areas
Problem 5: Psychological Impact
How It Works:
Entire home (or specific rooms) heated to 118-122°F for 60-90 minutes. Bed bugs cannot survive above 118°F — their proteins denature and they die.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best For:
Timeline: 8-12 hours total (4-6 hours heating + prep/cleanup)
How It Works:
EPA-approved, low-toxicity pesticides applied to infested areas:
Products Used:
NOT Used:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best For:
Timeline:
How It Works:
Fine powder of fossilized diatoms applied to infested areas. Powder damages bed bug exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best For:
How It Works:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best For:
How It Works:
High-temperature steam (160°F+) applied to:
Steam kills bed bugs on contact.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best For:
Phase 1: Thorough Inspection (FREE)
We identify:
Timeline: 1-2 hours
Phase 2: Preparation
You prepare:
Our Preparation:
Timeline: 1-2 hours for you; 30 min for us
Phase 3: Treatment (Choose Your Method)
Option A: Heat Treatment (Recommended for Severe Cases)
Option B: Chemical + Vacuuming + Encasement (Most Common)
Option C: Mattress Encasement + Preventative Treatment
Phase 4: Follow-Up Visits
After Initial Treatment (7-14 Days):
After Second Treatment (21-28 Days):
Phase 5: Prevention & Monitoring
Post-Treatment:
Long-Term:
The Problem:
A customer in Pilsen noticed small bites on their arms in March. They assumed it was mosquitoes until bites continued indoors and they found bed bugs in their mattress.
What They Tried:
Why It Failed:
The spray missed eggs and bugs in walls. Heat treatment seemed too expensive.
Eco Tech IPM Solution:
Week 1: Inspection
Week 1: Initial Treatment
Week 2-3: Customer’s Prep
Week 3: Follow-Up (Day 21)
Week 6: Final Inspection
Result:
Customer Quote:
“I was terrified and embarrassed. Eco Tech treated me with respect, explained everything, and actually solved the problem without breaking the bank. I wish I’d called them first.” — Ana C., Pilsen
1. Use Bed Bug-Proof Encasement
Cost: $50-$150 per encasement
2. Install Bed Interceptor Cups
Cost: $20-$40 for set of 4
Before Hotel Stay:
After Hotel Stay:
Before Bringing Into Home:
Seal Entry Points:
Reduce Hiding Spots:
Answer: Bed bugs are NOT caused by cleanliness. They’re equal-opportunity pests found in 5-star hotels and clean homes. You likely picked them up while traveling or from secondhand furniture. This is NOT a reflection on you.
Answer: No. Bed bugs reproduce quickly and will spread throughout your home. Without treatment, infestation only gets worse. Professional treatment is necessary.
Answer: Mattresses in landfills spread infestation. Plus, bed bugs can also be in furniture, walls, and baseboards (not just mattress). Throwing away the mattress without treating other areas won’t solve the problem.
Answer:
Answer: Yes. Professional treatment using low-toxicity products is safe. We provide clear pre- and post-treatment instructions. Tell us about your family, and we’ll adjust our approach.
Answer: We guarantee our work for 12 months. If bed bugs return within 12 months of treatment completion, we retreat for FREE.
✅ Rapid Response: Emergency same-day inspections available
✅ Multiple Treatment Options: Heat, chemical, encasement — you choose
✅ Low-Toxicity Products: Safe for families and pets
✅ Thorough Inspection: We find ALL infested areas
✅ Warranty: 12-month guarantee if bed bugs return
✅ Experienced Technicians: 16+ years bed bug treatment expertise
✅ Compassionate Approach: We understand the emotional impact
Don’t wait. Bed bug infestations grow exponentially.
Call (847) 610-8323
Available for emergency same-day appointments
What to Expect:
Eco Tech Pest Control — Bed Bug Specialists Since 2008