Bed bugs are a constant threat to commercial businesses regardless of the season because they spread—and quickly.
Whether they come in through a visitor or you pick them up yourself, these nasty pests can be bad news, especially for a commercial property.
No part of Pennsylvania is safe; bed bugs can be found anywhere from the Lehigh Valley to north of Scranton.
Infestations can escalate quickly, ravaging commercial properties with shared spaces, such as office spaces, hotels, hospitals, and educational facilities in the blink of an eye.
Due to the scale and speed at which bed bugs proliferate, the only solution for businesses is commercial bed bug removal. This guide will discuss the different removal methods and important information to identify and prevent future infestations.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Knowing the warning signs of bed bugs is essential for property owners and managers in NEPA.
Over the course of several years, eradicating bed bugs from all types of commercial facilities in Pennsylvania, we’ve discovered a few common signs that can point us to the presence and location of an infestation.
- Small Reddish Stains – Often found on sheets, mattresses, or upholstered furniture from crushed bugs or excrement.
- Musty Odor – Bed bugs release a sweet, musty smell when infestations grow large.
- Bites on Skin – Clusters or rows of itchy, red welts, often on arms, legs, or exposed skin at night.
- Visible Bugs – Adult bed bugs are small, oval, and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed.
- Shed Skins & Eggs – Bed bugs molt and leave behind light-colored skins and tiny white eggs in crevices and seams.
If you notice these signs in your property, you must act promptly. Bed bugs are virtually impossible to remove on your own and can seriously damage your reputation.
What is Commercial Bed Bug Removal?
Commercial bed bug removal is similar to residential bed bug control, but with more discretion and done at a larger scale.
Commercial bed bug removal uses a variety of methods to kill and remove bed bugs in as little as 24-48 hours so that your business can be back to its normal function in no time.
Commercial Bed Bug Removal Methods
- Heat Treatments – Specialized equipment raises room temperatures to levels that kill bed bugs at every stage of life (eggs, nymphs, and adults). Heat treatments are highly effective and often require less downtime.
- Steam Treatments – High-temperature steam is applied directly to mattresses, furniture, and cracks where bed bugs hide. This can be done for smaller, isolated infestations.
- Conventional Chemical Treatments – EPA-approved insecticides may be used in conjunction with other methods to ensure thorough eradication.
- Fumigation – In severe cases, entire structures may be sealed and fumigated. This is less common but sometimes necessary for large infestations.
- K9 Inspections – Specially trained dogs can detect even the smallest infestations quickly and accurately, making treatment more targeted.
4 Benefits of Professional Commercial Bed Bug Removal
While some business owners may be tempted to eliminate bed bugs on their own, professional removal and inspections are the surest way to get rid of the problem and not look back.
1. Early Detection
The best way to combat bed bugs is to spot the problem before it spirals out of control. A pest control expert will be able to detect an issue and create a treatment to put a stop to any infestation.
It’s better to catch an infestation before it blows out of proportion. Early detection is a key part of a protection plan. Once a bed bug finds its way inside, it can be difficult to detect.
One female can lay up to five eggs in one day, so one pest can become many in just a few days. Also, since bed bugs hide in furniture and typically come out at night, they can be extremely hard to trace.
2. Quick Response
Once a problem is detected, it should not wait. The faster a pest control expert takes care of the issue, the sooner you can get back to business. Plus, a quick response can halt the growth of any bed bug infestations.
While it can be difficult to pinpoint where these pests are hiding out, a pest control expert is trained to spot any signs left by these blood-sucking insects. The goal is to handle the problem quickly and discreetly to avoid any costly fallouts.
3. Customized Treatment
No two infestations are the same. Businesses range in size and capacity, while infestations can run from small to overwhelming.
Regardless of the situation, a pest control expert will be able to devise a plan specific to your needs. There are even K9 bed bug inspections that are designed to sniff out the problem to successfully target areas.
Once the problem is evaluated, you can work with the pest control specialist to decide how you want to eradicate the problem.
4. Long-Term Solutions
Getting rid of bed bugs permanently can be tricky. Commercial bed bug removal uses specialized treatments like heat remediation, steam, and fumigation that can handle large infestations and are not available to the general public.
After using these methods, pest control experts will circle back to be sure that every egg and bug is destroyed to ensure long-lasting protection. Of course, there’s no stopping treatment until you receive an all-clear from the experts.
Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Businesses
Prevention is often more cost-effective than removal. To protect your property, try implementing the following tips:
- Schedule Regular Inspections – Partner with a pest control provider for routine monitoring.
- Train Staff – Housekeeping and maintenance staff should know how to identify early warning signs.
- Reduce Clutter – Bed bugs thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide undetected.
- Use Protective Covers – Mattress and box spring encasements make it harder for bed bugs to hide and easier to spot them early.
- Act Quickly – If bed bugs are detected, immediate treatment prevents the infestation from spreading to other rooms or areas.
When it comes to your business, you can never be too careful. A commercial pest control expert may be just what you need to keep pests out.
Sometimes an infestation can be too much to handle, and when it comes to bed bugs, it can be nearly impossible to conquer alone. Don’t let your business suffer. Seek out a pest control expert and kick bed bugs to the curb.
FAQs
Are bed bugs dangerous to humans?
Bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and sleepless nights. In commercial settings, they also cause stress, loss of business, and potential legal issues.
How do bed bugs get into businesses like hotels or offices?
They usually hitchhike on luggage, clothing, furniture, or visitors. In the Lehigh Valley and Scranton areas, bed bugs are often introduced by frequent travel and high guest turnover.
Can I handle a bed bug problem without a professional?
DIY methods are rarely effective in commercial spaces due to the scale and complexity of infestations. Professional tools, like heat remediation and K9 inspections, are the most reliable solutions.
