Bed Bug Inspection: When To Call an Expert
While bed bug populations noticeably declined at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, their numbers have since rebounded and are now steadily on the rise across the country. As travel restrictions have lifted, people are once again moving freely through hotels, airports, colleges, and shared living spaces—all prime environments for bed bug transmission. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, and they don’t need much time or opportunity to find their way into your home.
It’s important to note that while bed bugs have not been shown to spread diseases, they are highly aggressive blood-feeders. Their bites can lead to intense itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions in some individuals. In addition to physical discomfort, bed bug infestations often cause emotional distress, anxiety, and sleepless nights for those affected. These pests can quickly disrupt your peace of mind and make everyday life miserable.
Bed bug infestations can develop rapidly, often going unnoticed until they are well-established. For this reason, early detection and immediate action are critical. If you even suspect you may have bed bugs, it’s important to schedule a bed bug inspection with a qualified pest control expert. At Viking Pest Control, our trained professionals know where to look and how to identify the subtle signs of an infestation.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From? Common Places You Might Pick Up Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to travel unnoticed. They can cling to clothing, luggage, furniture, and other personal belongings, making it easy for them to spread from one location to another. Some of the most common ways bed bugs find their way into homes include:
- Travel: Bed bugs are frequently picked up in hotels, motels, and other temporary lodgings. They can crawl into suitcases and bags during overnight stays.
- College Dorms: It’s extremely common for college students to inadvertently bring bed bugs home at the end of the semester, especially if they’ve lived in shared housing.
- Secondhand Furniture: Bed bugs thrive in upholstered furniture, mattresses, and wooden pieces with cracks or joints. Purchasing used furniture from antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales, or online marketplaces can unknowingly introduce bed bugs into your home.
- Public Transportation and Shared Spaces: Bed bugs can be picked up on buses, trains, airplanes, and even in office spaces with high foot traffic.
Signs You May Have a Bed Bug Infestation
The first noticeable sign of a bed bug infestation is often the appearance of small, red, itchy welts on your skin. However, it’s important to understand that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, which can make detection more challenging. Additional signs to watch for include:
- Small blood stains on your sheets, pillowcases, blankets, or mattress.
- Tiny dark fecal spots that resemble black pepper.
- Shed bed bug skins, which are orange-brown and may be found near sleeping areas.
- Tiny, pale-yellow eggs or eggshells, which can often be found in mattress seams, bed frames, or furniture joints.
- Live bed bugs, which are about the size and shape of an apple seed, typically reddish-brown in color.
Bed bugs are highly skilled at hiding. They can be found not only in beds but also in cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, flooring, furniture, and even inside electrical outlets. Missing just one hiding place can allow the infestation to persist and spread.

When To Call Viking Pest Control for a Bed Bug Inspection
If you notice any of the signs listed above, or if you’ve recently returned from travel and have unexplained bites, it’s time to call in the professionals. Bed bugs are incredibly difficult to eliminate without expert help. Viking Pest Control offers thorough, detailed bed bug inspections and effective, customized treatment plans designed to quickly and safely resolve infestations.
Early detection is key. The sooner you act, the easier it is to control a bed bug problem and protect your home and family. Contact Viking Pest Control today to schedule your inspection and take the first step toward a pest-free home.