February Special

February Special

$50 OFF

Bed Bugs are hitchhikers that can be brought in from anywhere. If you find yourself concerned that bed bugs have become your unwanted guests, call Rapid Pest Solutions. We provide FREE inspections. Mention this ad and receive $50 off your initial treatment.

Offer valid through 2/28/19. New customers only. Some restrictions may apply. Contact us for details. 219-836-5066

 

BED BUG FAQ

BED BUG FAQ

BED BUG FAQ

Bed bugs are a growing problem. They can affect anyone and are brought in from an outside source. There are a lot of misconceptions about bed bugs and their behaviors. I get asked questions all the time about where they come from, where to look for them and how to get rid of them. Here, I am going to answer some of the questions I get asked most often.

1. Where do they come from?
The short answer is they are brought in from an outside source. They can be picked up on your clothing or bags at the gym, in doctors’ offices, schools, public transportation and more. There is also the chance that a guest may have brought them into your home. They do not have to stay the night to leave bed bugs behind. It is possible for them to be on clothing and get left behind on furniture. Another possibility is buying used items such as mattresses, sofas, chairs, and rugs.

2. Can you see them?
Yes! Some people are under the impression that they are too small to see with the naked eye but that is not the case. An adult bed bug is about the size of a pea. Although the eggs are quite small, resembling a grain of rice, you are still able to see them.

3. Can they burrow under your skin?
NO! I have had people say to me that they are itching and that they are worried that the bed bugs have burrowed under their skin and laid eggs. This is not possible. Bed bugs will come out to bite you but then they go back to their hiding spot.

4. What do their bites look like?

Bedbugs and their feces (the little black dots) on a mattress.

Generally, they are small red welts that resemble a mosquito bite. Bed bugs usually come in three, follow a straight line and match up with where your body lays against the mattress. Some people may have an allergic reaction to them, just like some do with mosquitoes, and the welts may be bigger and itchier. Other people have no reaction at all.

5. I think I might have bed bugs. What do I look for?
While bed bugs are small, they do leave visible evidence. There will not only be the bed bugs themselves, but skin casings, eggs, and excrement. Bed bugs like to hide so look on the edges and under the mattress, in the corners of dressers and nightstands, behind headboards and in spaces between the baseboard and wall. In the living room, flip your couch and chairs over and look underneath, remove the cushions and check all corners. There may also be blood spots on your sheets and blankets.

While the idea of getting bed bugs can be intimidating, don’t let this prevent you from living your life. Be cautious about used furniture, check hotel rooms before you bring your belongings in, and when in doubt, throw everything you can in the dryer on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes.

If you have questions that I did not answer, please reach out. I look forward to addressing your concerns.

RAPID PEST SOLUTIONS
Because Timing Is Everything!

Do I Have Bed Bugs?

Do I Have Bed Bugs?

Do I Have Bed Bugs? How to Spot, Prevent, and Deal With a Bed Bug Infestation

We’ve all heard the bedtime rhyme: “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.” As children, we probably giggled or rolled our eyes. But as adults, especially today, those words carry a little more weight—and for good reason. Bed bug infestations have surged across the U.S. since the late 1990s, and they’re more than just a minor nuisance. If you’re waking up with itchy bites or suspicious marks on your bedding, you may find yourself asking, Do I have bed bugs?

At Rapid Pest Solutions, we help homeowners and businesses identify and eliminate bed bug problems quickly and effectively. Since Chicago is consistently ranked as one of the top cities for bed bug activity, knowing how to spot early signs of an infestation is more important than ever.

Let’s break down what you need to know—from identifying bed bugs to preventing them from invading your space.


What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Recognizing a bed bug is the first step in stopping an infestation. Here’s how to identify these tiny pests:

Color

  • Unfed adults: Mahogany or rusty brown.
  • Fed adults: Reddish-brown, darker due to a recent blood meal.
  • Nymphs (juveniles): Almost colorless when they hatch, turning light brown as they mature.

Shape

  • Unfed bed bugs are flat and oval-shaped, often compared to the shape of an apple seed or shield.
  • Once they’ve fed, they appear swollen and more elongated.

Size

  • Adult bed bugs grow to about 1/4 inch in length.
  • Nymphs range from 1.3 mm to 5 mm as they go through various growth stages.

Feeding Behavior

  • Bed bugs are nocturnal, most active at night while you sleep.
  • They’re attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and will typically bite exposed skin.
  • Though they prefer humans, bed bugs will feed on any warm-blooded host if necessary.

Bed Bug Facts You Should Know

  • Bed bugs are not seasonal, but infestations tend to spike in the summer months due to increased travel.
  • They don’t discriminate—luxury hotel or budget motel, clean home or cluttered apartment, anyone can bring bed bugs home.
  • Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can travel via luggage, backpacks, clothing, or even furniture.
  • Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene. They seek warmth and blood, not filth.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs When Traveling

Travel is one of the easiest ways to accidentally bring bed bugs into your home. Use these prevention tips to protect yourself:

  1. Keep your luggage off the floor. Use a luggage rack in hotel rooms instead of placing bags on carpets or beds.
  2. Avoid hotel dressers. Don’t store clothing in drawers—keep your items in your suitcase.
  3. Inspect the bed. Pull back sheets and look along mattress seams and box springs for signs of bed bugs: small reddish stains, shed skins, or actual bugs.
  4. Unpack smart. When you return home, immediately place your clothes (even unworn items) in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills bed bugs at all life stages.

Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs

So, how do you know if your home has been invaded? Look for these common signs:

  • Bites: Red, itchy bites that often appear in a line or cluster.
  • Blood stains: Small, rusty spots on sheets or mattresses.
  • Shed skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer shells.
  • Fecal spots: Tiny dark spots on mattresses, walls, or furniture.
  • Musty odor: A strong, unpleasant smell in rooms with heavy infestations.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t panic—but don’t wait either.


What to Do if You Suspect a Bed Bug Infestation

Because of their small size and resistance to many DIY treatments, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help. If you suspect bed bugs are in your home or business:

  • Do not try to treat the problem with over-the-counter sprays. These often just spread the bugs further.
  • Do not move items from one room to another. This can cause the infestation to spread.
  • Contact a certified pest control expert like Rapid Pest Solutions. We offer bed bug inspections, heat treatments, chemical treatments, and ongoing monitoring to ensure your home is bed bug-free.

Why Choose Rapid Pest Solutions?

At Rapid Pest Solutions, we know how stressful a bed bug problem can be. That’s why we provide fast, discreet, and effective bed bug treatments throughout the greater Chicago area. Whether you’re dealing with a small issue or a full-blown infestation, we’ll help restore your peace of mind with customized treatment plans and guaranteed results.


Get Peace of Mind – Contact Rapid Pest Solutions Today

Bed bugs don’t go away on their own—and the longer you wait, the worse the problem can become. If you’re concerned you might have bed bugs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our expert technicians can inspect your space, identify the issue, and walk you through your best treatment options.

Holiday Madness – Part 1

Holiday Madness – Part 1

Holiday Madness is upon us. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and from there we dive head first into Christmas. The cooking, baking, parties and shopping can be overwhelming. You know what else can be overwhelming? Bed Bugs. If you’re traveling for the holiday or having company stay at your place, you are at risk! This does not mean you should shutter the windows, bar the doors and hide. It just means that you need to be vigilant.

Thanksgiving food

Thanksgiving food


WHEN TRAVELING – Be aware of your surroundings. If you travel over the Holiday, make sure to fully inspect your room. You may benefit from a Bed Bug Inspection Kit. ($14.95)

  • Put bags in the bathroom while you check the rest of the room.
  • Most hotel headboards are attached to the wall. Use a flashlight to look behind them or lift them off the mountings to take a peek at the back.
  • Pull the bedding off the mattress and check around the edges and seams. Look for blood spots, black dots that look like pepper or skin casings.
  • You will also want to check behind any paintings hanging in the room, the bedside tables, drawers, in the seams of curtains and the any other furniture that is in the room.
  • If you find evidence of Bed Bugs notify the front desk immediately. The hotel should have no problem giving you another room. Request one that is two floors away from the original room.

Hotel+Bed+Bug+Areas.jpgHotel+Bed+Bug+Areas


HOUSE GUESTS – Remember that having Bed Bugs is in no way a sanitation issue. Anyone can get them, they are picked up along the way and dropped off the same way. If you have guests staying with you over the Holidays you may want to take some precautions after they leave.

  • Inspection is key. Using a strong flashlight look around the bed. Check end tables, dressers and other furniture.
  • Remove any bedding and run it through the wash as soon as your guests have gone.
  • Vacuum the area around the bed and furniture.
  • Keep your eyes open for any live Bed Bugs as you straighten the room. If you notice any activity, contact a pest control professional.

Bed+Bug+Evidence+On+A+Mattress.jpgBed+Bug+Evidence+On+A+Mattress Bed Bug Evidence


So bring on the Holidays! Go see Gram and Pa over in Ohio or let Aunt Martha and Uncle Lou stay with you this time. Spend the holidays with those you love – no worries!

3+Day+Work+Week.png3+Day+Work+Week


If you find that Bed Bugs have made their way into your life call Rapid Pest Solutions.

Because Timing Is Everything!