Bed bugs
Bed bug exterminator in Bakersfield
UC IPM says getting rid of bed bugs is a job for a professional company. Call to reach an independent one.
Calls answered early morning to late evening
How to recognize bed bugs
- Bites that redden, swell and itch, sometimes several days later. Some people don't react at all, so one person in a bed may have marks while the other has none.
- Dark specks along mattress seams, box springs and bed frames.
- Light-brown shed skins in the same places.
- Small, flat, wingless insects in cracks close to where people sleep or sit.
Why they show up
Bed bugs hitch rides. They come along on clothing, bedding, furniture and luggage. UC IPM singles out second-hand mattresses and furniture as a high-risk source.
A clean kitchen and a tidy bedroom won't keep them out, and in apartments they can spread between units. If you rent, read the guide to California renter and landlord rules before you book anything.
What a bed bug visit usually involves
Someone inspects the bed and the areas around it, then explains a plan. UC IPM says work may require removing or treating all infested material, followed by monitoring to confirm the bugs are gone. That means more than one trip is common.
Ask how the room should be prepared before you start bagging or moving anything. Carrying belongings to another room can carry the problem with them. Also ask how long to stay out after treatment.
Bed bug questions
Do bed bugs spread disease?
UC IPM says they are not known to spread diseases, though scratching bites can lead to infection. If a bite looks infected, see a clinician.
I rent. Who deals with this?
California has a specific bed bug chapter in its Civil Code. Under it, tenants have to cooperate with inspection and the landlord has to share the findings in writing. Tell your landlord in writing and see the renter guide.
Seeing something now? Make the call.
Say what you found, where you found it, and your ZIP. The company on the line can tell you how it would handle the job and what a visit involves.
Calls answered early morning to late evening. Calls may be recorded. Referral disclosure