Cimex lectularius
Biting Insect
3/16 inch adult, 1/16 inch nymph
Reddish-brown (darker red after feeding)
4 to 6 months, up to 1 year without feeding
About the Bed Bug
The common bed bug is a flattened, wingless biting insect that feeds exclusively on mammal blood, primarily humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites cause welts, allergic reactions, and severe anxiety. A single mated female lays 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime.
Habits & Behavior
Bed bugs hide in mattress seams, box spring corners, headboard cracks, bed frame joints, baseboards, electrical outlets, picture frames, and carpet edges within 15 feet of a sleeping host. They detect carbon dioxide from sleeping humans from up to 10 feet away and emerge at night to feed for 3 to 10 minutes before returning to harborage.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Rows of small red welts on exposed skin (arms, neck, legs) after sleeping
Tiny dark brown or black fecal specks on mattress seams, sheets, box spring
Translucent cream-colored eggs 1mm long in mattress seams and bed frame cracks
Shed exoskeletons (empty husks) along mattress edges and headboard joints
Live bed bugs visible in mattress seams during daylight inspection
Sweet musty odor in heavily infested bedrooms
Bed Bug Pressure in Michigan
Bed bugs infest every county and every economic level in Michigan. Infestation sources include hotels, rideshare vehicles, airport baggage, used furniture, college dormitories, medical facilities, and multi-family housing. Metro Detroit hotel clusters and University of Michigan student housing see annual bed bug cycles.
How BTR Treats Bed Bug Infestations
BTR uses a two-stage chemical treatment program. Treatment one includes full bedroom baseboards, mattress seams, box spring corners, headboard and frame treatment, and crack-and-crevice applications. Treatment two (21 days later) targets newly hatched nymphs. BTR offers a 30-day warranty with 50 percent off the second treatment if pests persist. Prep work is required: strip beds, launder all bedding and washable fabrics on hot cycle, empty dresser drawers, bag clothing.
Prevention Tips
Inspect hotel rooms on arrival (lift sheets, check mattress seams, inspect headboard). Never bring used mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, or untreated used clothing into the home. Wash and dry travel clothing on high heat immediately upon return. Use mattress and box spring encasements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs
Can I get bed bugs from a dirty house?
No. Bed bugs are not drawn to dirt, clutter, or poor hygiene. They infest five-star hotels, luxury homes, hospitals, and public transportation. Infestation source is human travel, not cleanliness.
How did I get bed bugs?
Most Metro Detroit bed bug infestations originate from hotel stays, rideshare vehicles, airport baggage carousels, used furniture purchases, college dormitories, medical facility overnight stays, and adjacent apartment units. Bed bugs hitchhike in luggage, purses, and clothing.
Do I need to throw out my mattress?
Usually not. BTR treats mattress seams and box spring corners chemically. Encasements lock remaining bed bugs inside and prevent re-infestation. Only severely infested or damaged mattresses need replacement.
How much does BTR charge for bed bug treatment?
Bed bug treatment starts at $399 for homes under 4,000 square feet. Price includes baseboards, mattress, box spring, one couch, and dresser drawer treatment. Additional beds and couches are $99 each. The second treatment is half the price of the first. Prep work is required.
How long does bed bug treatment take?
Treatment application takes 1 to 3 hours. Everyone and all pets must leave for 4 to 6 hours afterward while the chemical dries. Second treatment 21 days later. Most infestations clear in 2 treatments.
Bed Bug Problem? BTR Can Help Today
Free inspection. Licensed Michigan exterminators. 90-day warranty on most services.