Finding bed bugs in your apartment can cause instant panic. These tiny pests are masters of hiding and spreading, and the sooner you act, the better your chances of getting rid of them. But while your first reaction might be to grab a can of bug spray or start moving furniture, those steps can actually make things worse. What you need is a calm, focused plan to stop the spread and prepare for professional help.
Here’s what to do immediately after discovering bed bugs in your apartment.
1. Confirm the Problem
Before taking any drastic action, make sure what you’ve found are truly bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are small, flat, and reddish-brown — about the size of an apple seed. They leave behind dark stains, shed skins, and tiny white eggs in mattress seams, headboards, and baseboards.
If possible, capture one in a clear plastic bag or tape it to a piece of paper. Proper identification helps ensure you use the right treatment approach and avoid wasting time or money.
2. Don’t Start Moving Things Around
It’s natural to want to clean or move your belongings out of the affected room, but that’s one of the worst things you can do. Bed bugs spread easily, and by moving infested items to other areas, you risk turning one small problem into a whole-apartment infestation.
Keep things contained until you can get professional guidance. If you must move clothing or bedding, seal it tightly in a plastic bag and wash or heat-treat it immediately.
3. Start With the Laundry
Bed bugs can’t survive high heat, so washing and drying your linens and clothes at the hottest settings is one of the most effective first steps.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Bag up bedding and clothing before moving them to the laundry area.
- Wash and dry on high heat (minimum 120°F).
- Once clean, seal items in fresh plastic bags or containers to prevent re-infestation.
Avoid overloading machines — you want everything to get evenly heated for the best results.
4. Declutter and Vacuum
Clutter gives bed bugs more places to hide. Go through each room and remove stacks of papers, boxes, or unused clothes. Then, vacuum thoroughly — especially around baseboards, mattresses, and furniture joints.
After vacuuming, immediately seal the bag and dispose of it outside your building. If you’re using a bagless vacuum, clean the canister with hot, soapy water to kill any hidden bugs or eggs.
5. Inform Your Landlord or Property Manager
If you live in a multi-unit building, you’re required in most areas to notify your landlord right away. Bed bugs spread easily between apartments, and fast reporting allows coordinated treatment across affected units.
Most property managers will schedule a professional pest inspection, and in many states, they’re legally obligated to take care of the problem. Acting quickly helps prevent the infestation from spreading to your neighbors’ units.
6. Avoid DIY Sprays and Foggers
Store-bought sprays, foggers, and “bug bombs” rarely work on bed bugs — and can even make infestations worse. These pests often hide deep inside walls, bed frames, or electrical outlets, where most over-the-counter products can’t reach.
Bed bugs are also resistant to many consumer-grade pesticides. Spraying without a professional plan can scatter them to new hiding spots, making future treatments harder. Instead, focus on cleaning, sealing, and preparing your space for professional extermination.
7. Prepare for Professional Treatment
Once you’ve reported the problem and a pest control service has been scheduled, take a few preparatory steps to make the treatment as effective as possible:
- Pull furniture away from walls.
- Empty closets and drawers in affected rooms.
- Remove outlet covers if instructed.
- Make sure technicians have easy access to baseboards and furniture.
These steps help exterminators reach all hiding spots and ensure a thorough treatment.
8. Stay Alert After Treatment
Even after treatment, keep monitoring for signs of bed bugs. Use bed bug interceptors under bedposts and check seams regularly for live bugs, stains, or eggs. It can take several visits to completely eliminate them, especially in multi-unit buildings.
Don’t stop your preventive measures too soon — ongoing vigilance ensures they don’t return.
9. Trust the Experts
Eliminating bed bugs takes time, patience, and professional expertise. A licensed pest control company can assess the extent of your infestation and apply safe, effective methods that eliminate all life stages — from eggs to adults.
If you’re dealing with an infestation in your home or apartment, contact Positive Pest Management. Their team specializes in comprehensive bed bug solutions that get results quickly and safely. From inspection to follow-up, they ensure your home stays bug-free.
Final Thoughts
Finding bed bugs can be stressful, but with the right steps, you can stop the problem before it gets worse. Confirm the infestation, avoid spreading it, clean thoroughly, and call a trusted professional right away. With a calm, organized response, you’ll be on your way to a pest-free home — and a good night’s sleep once again.
