Creepy crawlies are already unsettling in appearance, but how about the creepy crawlies that happen to share the bed with you? That’d be a bit of a nightmare. Sadly, this is reality for property owners who are dealing with bed bug infestations. Now, most people say that these pests are impossible to get rid of without professional pest control, but is that really true? Let’s see what the experts are saying.
Bugging Americans Nationwide
Bed bugs can be found in all 50 states and are often seen as one of the most challenging pests to identify and eliminate. However, infestations are becoming increasingly common, especially as travel increases across the nation. In 2025, a survey by the University of Florida and the National Pest Management Association found that 82% of pest control professionals treated bed bugs in the past year. Among those professionals, 89% reported treating infestations in single-family homes, 88% in apartments or condos, and 70% in hotels or motels.
Industry analysts also note that California, Florida, and Texas rank among the top five “bed bug states,” indicating regions with warmer climates or high visitor traffic are more at risk for infestations.
One of the Most Notorious Pests
Miami-based pest control company 911 Pest Experts explains that due to their small size, elusive nature, ability to survive long periods without food, and resistance to most over-the-counter pesticides, bed bugs are difficult for homeowners to eradicate with DIY methods. They’ll also often hide in places where they’ll go unnoticed, like fabric seams, or crevices you can’t access, like electrical sockets and wall hollows. That’s why so many people say that you need professionals to get rid of them.
“These intruders do more than disrupt your rest. They are the source of skin irritation, allergic reactions, and mental anguish. Once they make their way into your home, the chances of them spreading are very high,” says a spokesperson for 911 Pest Experts.
How Pros Deal With Bed Bugs
If you have the misfortune of dealing with bed bugs, your best bet really is to call an exterminator. Most professionals will offer a complimentary inspection that allows technicians to determine the extent of the infestation and which methods will work best.
Reputable companies will be transparent about their pricing and will give you a quote once they’re done with their inspection. They’ll also offer a number of treatment options for you to choose from, so if you want something like an eco-friendly treatment, make sure you bring it up with them.
Once the bed bugs have been eradicated, some companies can provide ongoing monitoring and will apply preventative treatments to indoor and outdoor areas of the property. These treatments ensure that new bed bugs will be deterred from infiltrating the property and establishing another breeding population.
Preventing Bed Bugs
Unfortunately, the unanimous answer is that once you have bed bugs, you’ll need to call a pro to get rid of them. There’s no avoiding that.
But what you can avoid is introducing bed bugs to your property in the first place. There are quite a few easy prevention tips you can follow to achieve that. For example, if you travel a lot, keep your personal belongings off floors and hotel beds, and make sure you wash them thoroughly when you get home.
Also, avoid secondhand mattresses and other furniture if you can. If you can’t pass up the cheaper price tag, make sure you inspect any piece you get before you bring it inside your house.
Bed bugs may also be found in shared laundry facilities, so if you use one, make sure you use plastic bags to hold your clothes and linens to keep them from touching any surfaces. Don’t fold your clothes there either – bring them home to do it.
You can also get rid of any stray bed bugs by vacuuming regularly, washing and drying your bedding or furniture on high heat, and getting rid of clutter. The latter will reduce the number of hiding places for the critters.
And most importantly, if you discover signs of an infestation, don’t panic. With the right treatment, you’ll be able to get rid of them and rest easy at night – literally.
911 Pest Experts
info@911homehelps.com
+1 786 269 6959
9555 Southwest 175th Terrace #202
Palmetto Bay
FL
33157
United States