Discovering tiny, reddish-brown bugs crawling around your mattress, couch, or bedroom can be unsettling. You may find yourself asking: “Do I have bed bugs?” If you’ve never dealt with them before, identifying these pests—and knowing what to do about them—can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry. That’s what we’re here for!
At Gunter Pest & Lawn, our licensed bed bug exterminators have seen it all. With years of hands-on experience and proven treatment methods like bed bug heat treatment, we make the process of identifying and eliminating bed bugs as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs
If you find yourself asking “Do I have bed bugs?” The answer is, you might. To figure out if you’re dealing with pests or just itchy sheets, here are the most common signs of a bed bug infestation:
1. Red, Itchy Bites on Your Skin
Bed bug bites often appear in clusters or lines and usually show up on areas of skin exposed while you sleep—like your arms, shoulders, or legs. They can be itchy, red, and slightly swollen.
2. Tiny Blood Stains on Sheets or Pillowcases
When bed bugs feed, they can leave behind small rust-colored blood spots on your bedding. These are often the first physical clues people notice.
3. Dark or Rust-Colored Fecal Spots
Bed bug droppings look like small ink stains and may show up on sheets, mattresses, box springs, or walls near your bed.
4. Exoskeletons or Shed Skins
As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin multiple times. Finding tiny, translucent shells around the seams of your mattress or furniture is a strong sign of activity.
5. A Musty Odor
Large infestations may produce a faint, sweet, musty smell caused by the bed bugs’ scent glands.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are small—about the size of an apple seed—and range from reddish-brown to pale tan, depending on their age and whether they’ve fed recently. They have flat, oval bodies that puff up after feeding.
Still not sure what you’re seeing? Our pest control team can inspect your space and confirm whether you’re dealing with bed bugs or another pest.
What Should I Do If I Have Bed Bugs?
If you think you might have bed bugs, don’t panic—and don’t start tossing furniture or over-applying store-bought sprays. Bed bugs are tricky, and DIY methods often spread the infestation further.
Instead, call in the professionals.
Our team at Gunter Pest & Lawn will guide you through the next steps. We’ll confirm whether you have bed bugs, assess the severity of the infestation, and walk you through your treatment options.
What to Expect From a Bed Bug Heat Treatment
We typically recommend bed bug heat treatment as the most effective and eco-friendly way to eliminate infestations. Here’s a quick look at how it works:
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We raise the temperature of the affected area to 135°F, which kills all bed bugs—eggs, nymphs, and adults—within minutes.
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Using high-powered fans and temperature sensors, we ensure even heat distribution across the entire room.
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No harsh chemicals, no toxic residues—just safe, thorough, one-day treatment.
Want to learn more? Check out our full post on how bed bug heat treatment works.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve been asking yourself “Do I have bed bugs?” the best plan of action is to call in a professional. Identifying and dealing with a bed bug infestation is never fun—but you’re not alone. We’ve helped countless homeowners and property managers across Kansas City eliminate bed bugs quickly and effectively.
Contact Gunter Pest & Lawn today to schedule an inspection and let our experienced team handle the rest.
