Houston Bed Bug Control

What If I Find One Bed Bug but No Other Signs? Do I Have an Infestation?

Discovering a single bed bug can be unsettling and understandably trigger fears of an infestation. However, finding just one does not necessarily mean a full-blown infestation is underway. It is possible that the bed bug could have been a solitary hitchhiker that wandered in from a recent trip or a visitor. 

After finding a single bed bug, you should closely examine your mattress, bedframe, and nearby furniture for any other pests, their shed skins, tiny eggs, or fecal spots. Bed bugs often hide in cracks and crevices, so use a flashlight and magnifying glass to check inside seams and folds. If you find any additional evidence of their presence, you should not wait to reach out to our team at Critter One. 

Even if you don’t discover any additional signs of bed bugs, you may still want peace of mind of knowing for certain that you aren’t dealing with an infestation. We offer complimentary home inspections and are happy to perform a thorough, professional check. When in doubt, we encourage you to get in touch. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Houston

Our Houston bed bug control professionals employ a multi-faceted approach to effectively eliminate these resilient pests. The first step includes a comprehensive inspection to confirm the presence and extent of the infestation. Our experts meticulously examine common hiding spots like mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and even electrical outlets using advanced detection methods and tools.

Once we have established the scope of the infestation, we utilize a combination of methods to eradicate the bed bugs. Heat treatment is a popular option, where we heat the affected areas to temperatures exceeding that which bed bugs can withstand. This method is highly effective because it penetrates hidden crevices and kills bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs, which are otherwise resistant to most chemical treatments. Our teams are equipped with state-of-the-art industrial heaters and fans that deliver uniform heat distribution throughout the affected spaces.

Chemical treatments are another viable approach, often used in conjunction with heat for maximum efficacy. Our team selects environmentally friendly, EPA-approved pesticides that are powerful against bed bugs but safe for homes. These pesticides are carefully applied to targeted areas like baseboards, voids, and under flooring. Our technicians are trained in identifying the most strategic locations for application to avoid any unnecessary exposure while achieving optimal results. 

After eliminating the pests, we can walk you through best practices for keeping bed bugs from coming back. This can include installing bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses and pillows and reviewing how to avoid unintentionally bringing bed bugs home from travel.

What Causes Bed Bugs?

Unlike many pests, bed bugs are not necessarily attracted by uncleanliness. Instead, they are adept hitchhikers that move from one environment to another by latching onto unsuspecting travelers or hiding within personal belongings. This mobility means they can potentially infiltrate homes, hotels, and even public transport regardless of their condition.

Bed bugs can enter a Houston home due to:

• Travel and accommodation. One of the leading causes of bed bug infestations is travel. When individuals stay in infested accommodations, these pests often attach themselves to luggage, clothing, or personal items and eventually hitchhike back to the traveler’s home. This mode of transport is common in hotels or short-term rentals where bed bugs can easily spread from traveler to traveler. Carefully checking a hotel or short-term rental’s mattress upon arrival, regularly inspecting luggage, and washing clothing promptly post-trip can help mitigate this risk.
• Secondhand furniture and clothing. Bringing secondhand items into a home can inadvertently introduce bed bugs. Infestations are particularly common in used mattresses, couches, and other upholstered items that provide the perfect hiding place for these pests. Even clothing, if improperly inspected or cleaned, can be a carrier. You should thoroughly inspect and clean any secondhand items before introducing them into your living space.
• Public transport and shared spaces. Bed bugs are adaptable and can be found in a variety of public spaces, including buses, trains, and airport facilities. They may attach themselves to clothing or bags, later establishing themselves within the confines of a home. Being mindful of this possibility, particularly when commuting through crowded environments, is an important step in preventing infestation.
• Neighbor dispersal. In multi-unit residential buildings like apartment complexes and condos, bed bugs can spread from one unit to another with surprising ease. They may traverse through shared walls, ventilation systems, or common areas. If one or more of your neighbors is dealing with a bed bug infestation, you should be prepared for the pests to try and enter your unit and work collectively with property management to address any intrusion efficiently.
• Visitors and guests. Having visitors or guests can sometimes be an unintentional source of bed bugs entering a home. Whether friends, family, or service providers, anyone can bring bed bugs into a space without realizing it. Regular monitoring and awareness of potential signs of infestation can help catch problems early.

What Months Are Bed Bugs Most Active in Houston?

In Houston, bed bugs can pose a constant threat due to the city's typically warm climate, making it an ideal environment for pests to thrive year-round. However, there are certain months when bed bug activity tends to peak, largely correlating with temperature fluctuations and human behaviors.

Generally, bed bug activity in Houston increases during late spring through early fall – approximately June through October. Warmer temperatures during these months enhance the bed bugs' reproductive cycles, enabling them to breed more rapidly and expand their populations quickly. Additionally, the increased human travel and movement associated with the summer holiday season can facilitate the spread of bed bugs, as they often hitch rides on luggage, clothing, and other personal items. As residents return from vacations or visitors come to Houston, the likelihood of introducing these pests into homes or accommodations rises significantly.

Can Bed Bugs Jump?

One common misconception is that these pests can jump like fleas or other insects. In reality, bed bugs cannot jump. They are wingless and lack the powerful hind legs necessary for jumping. Instead, bed bugs are proficient crawlers, using their six legs to traverse a variety of surfaces in search of a meal. Their method of movement is slow and deliberate, often giving them more of an advantage in stealth rather than speed. This crawling ability allows them to hide effectively in small crevices and travel short distances to reach their prey undetected, typically at night. Bed bugs prefer to remain relatively close to their food source – usually sleeping humans – which means that their movements are mostly concentrated around sleeping areas.

Houston Ranks Third-Worst City for Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bugs can be found throughout South Texas and the United States. However, a leading pest control publication, PCT Magazine, reported on a 2024 study that names Houston as the third-biggest hotspot for bed bugs in 2024. The ranking was based on each city’s urban density, infestation risk, and access to pest control. 

This reality underlines the need to be vigilant for signs of bed bugs in your home. Fortunately, professional and reliable Houston bed bug control is only a call away. Our skilled crews at Critter One are prepared to efficiently exterminate bed bugs and restore peace of mind.

Worried about bed bugs? Schedule your complimentary inspection by calling (726) 200-1018 or contacting us online.