If you’ve ever woken up with itchy, unexplained bites, you’re not alone, and bed bugs could be the reason. From Detroit apartments to homes in Grand Rapids, bed bugs are making an unwelcome return across Michigan cities. These persistent pests are a growing concern, and knowing how to get rid of them is critical.
Unlike seasonal pests, bed bugs don’t take the winter off. They can live year-round indoors, and once they get inside, they’re notoriously hard to eliminate without help. We’ve seen infestations in downtown apartments, suburban homes, college dorms, and even upscale hotels. The good news? If you catch the signs early and know what to do, you can keep a small bed bug issue from becoming a full-blown infestation.
In this article, you’ll learn how to identify a bed bug problem, why they’re so hard to eliminate, and what steps you can take to protect your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Bed bugs are widespread across Michigan and can infest any home, regardless of cleanliness.
- Signs of bed bugs include blood spots, shed skins, and itchy bites, usually found near the bed.
- DIY methods may help temporarily, but professional treatment is often necessary for full elimination.
- Prevention starts with careful travel habits, clutter reduction, and regular inspections of sleeping areas.
What do bed bugs look like, and where do they hide?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed. They’re visible to the naked eye but excellent at hiding. Common hiding spots include:
- The seams of your mattress
- Behind headboards
- Inside your box spring
- In cracks around baseboards and wallpaper
- Behind picture frames
- In the crevices of upholstered furniture
They come out mostly at night, feeding on their food source, us. That’s why bed bug bites often appear in the morning, typically on the arms, neck, or legs. If you’ve noticed itchy welts or clusters of red bumps, especially after sleeping, that could be a sign of bed bugs.
Signs of a bed bug infestation
It’s not always obvious at first. Early signs of bed bugs in Michigan homes include:
- Blood spots on sheets or pillowcases
- Dark, rust-colored fecal spots on mattresses or walls
- A musty odor in heavily infested rooms
- Shed skins or live bugs near hiding places
Since they’re small and like to stay hidden, bed bug infestations can grow quickly before you notice.
Why bed bugs are a Michigan-wide problem
Bed bugs don’t care how clean your home is. They travel by hitching rides on luggage, used furniture, clothing, and more. With Michigan’s tourism and college-town hubs, areas like Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Detroit are hotbeds for bed bug activity. High-density housing, travel, and secondhand shopping all help them spread.
Even hotels and public transportation can be sources. The Michigan Department of Community Health has seen increased reports statewide, confirming what many residents already know: bed bugs are a growing concern.
How to get rid of bed bugs
If you’re facing a bed bug problem, the key is swift, thorough action. Here’s what that looks like:
1. Identify all hiding spots
Inspect your mattress, bed frame, and upholstered furniture. Don’t forget crevices and baseboards. Bed bugs can hide anywhere the width of a credit card fits.
2. Wash and encase bedding
Wash all bedding, pillowcases, and clothing in hot water and dry them on high heat. Then encase your mattress and box spring in a protective cover to trap any remaining bugs inside.
3. Declutter and vacuum
Clutter gives bed bugs more places to hide. Reduce hiding spots and vacuum regularly, paying close attention to baseboards, furniture joints, and under beds. Immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it outdoors.
4. Monitor with interceptors
Install bed bug interceptors under each leg of your bed to trap bugs climbing up or down. This is a helpful tool to confirm activity and monitor progress.
5. Contact a pest management professional
DIY methods can reduce numbers, but they often fall short. Bed bug treatments require experience and the right tools to work effectively. At Pest Pros of Michigan, we tailor our treatment to your situation and your level of preparation. Whether you’re fully ready or need help with prep, we meet you where you are.
Our technicians use a mix of targeted applications, heat, and follow-ups to ensure thorough elimination, backed by years of experience in Michigan homes.
Why professional help matters
Bed bugs are survivors. They’re resistant to many over-the-counter products and can live for months without feeding. A pest control specialist knows how to break the cycle. For multi-unit buildings or more severe infestations, working with a trained exterminator is the only reliable way to get rid of bed bugs for good.
Prevention tips moving forward
Once your home is bed bug-free, here are a few habits that help keep it that way:
- Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it inside.
- Be cautious when traveling, check hotel room headboards and mattresses.
- Keep your bedding off the floor in shared spaces.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in bed bug-proof covers.
Final thoughts
Dealing with bed bugs in Michigan can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. They’re a stubborn pest, but not unbeatable. With a sharp eye, a proactive approach, and help from a trusted pest control company, you can take your home back.
Michigan homes aren’t immune to the bed bug resurgence, but fast action makes a real difference. The sooner you spot the signs and respond, the easier it is to keep the situation under control. Whether you live in a big city or a rural township, staying informed is your first line of defense.
If you suspect bed bugs are biting, don’t wait it out. Give us a call, our local technicians in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo know exactly what Michigan homeowners are up against.
