Bed Bug Infestation Risks and Prevention

By Bed Bug Specialist Published November 13, 2023 Updated September 30, 2026 2 min read

Bed bugs can cause itchy bites and lost sleep. They have not been shown to spread disease, but their bites can cause allergic reactions. The EPA’s guide to bed bugs and health explains these risks.

What health problems can bed bugs cause?

People react to bites in different ways. Some have no bite marks; others have marks or an allergic reaction. The EPA reports that severe allergic reactions can occur, though whole-body reactions are rare.

Skin can also get infected after a bite reaction. The same EPA page reports anxiety and trouble sleeping in people who live with bed bugs. These risks are reasons to get help. They do not mean that every person will become ill.

If you have symptoms that concern you, contact a healthcare professional. BBS treats bed bugs. The team does not diagnose or treat a health condition.

How can you tell if you have bed bugs?

Bites alone cannot confirm bed bugs. The EPA’s guide to finding bed bugs explains that bites can resemble other insect bites or skin conditions.

Look instead for live bugs, shed skins, eggs, and dark or reddish spots on bedding. Check the seams of your mattress and your bed frame. Also check nearby furniture. Have suspected bugs identified before choosing a treatment.

How can you reduce the risk of spread?

Check used furniture before bringing it home. Keep clutter down and take care when doing laundry. The EPA’s home prevention guide explains these steps. Bed bugs can travel on furniture, bedding, luggage, and clothing.

If you think you have bed bugs, avoid moving untreated items into other rooms without advice. Follow a treatment plan and use the BBS preparation checklist to get ready for a visit.

What should you know about treatment safety?

Do not assume that a natural product or a heat treatment is risk-free. The EPA’s treatment safety guide warns about home remedies that can catch fire and unsafe DIY heating. It also says to follow pesticide labels.

BBS specializes in bed bugs and uses whole-home heat at 140°F with targeted spray. Read about our bed bug heat treatment. Ask how to get ready and what to do with pets. Find out when you can return home.

Get help with a bed bug infestation

In short, confirm the bugs and follow a treatment plan. Get medical advice for health concerns. To deal with the bed bugs, request a free bed bug treatment quote from BBS. A quote is separate from medical care.

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S Scott Phillips

★★★★★

Allan came out and did a full treatment in my home. He killed the bugs and even showed me where they were hiding. Mike on the phone was great at explaining the process and pricing. No surprises, just great service.

A Alfred Carter

★★★★★

Great communication from Mike and professional treatment from Allan made the entire experience easier to manage.

B Beth Baughman Capizzo

★★★★★

I want to give this company ten plus stars for their honesty and integrity. I was flipping out yesterday because a different company, based on some photos, said we had bed bugs and wanted to come out the next day,and charge $3200.00. That didn't feel right so I called Bed Bug Specialist and spoke to the kindest man named Mike. He spent time looking at our pictures and said that those pictures do not resemble bed bugs. The smoking gun for the other guy was this red/orange piece that looked so odd. That other guy said it's for sure the bed bug, Mike said no and then sent me literature that showed me both the mail and female stages from egg to adult. He turned out to be 100% correct because that was some auburn hair dye. Mike could have agreed and taken our money and we would not have been one to argue. But, he didn't do that. He talked to me a few more times during dinner time. As well, he sent me a text thanking me. His honesty and integrity are character traits that you want when you need his service. Don't worry about the other company, because this company is who you should be calling... Mike at Bed Bug Specialist.Thanks again Mike!!

P Phillip Rice

★★★★★

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J John Cantrell 2 weeks ago

★★★★★

Dave was fantastic from start to finish. He listened carefully to my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable with the treatment plan. His attention to detail and genuine care made the experience stress-free, and I couldn’t have asked for better service.

C Curtis Gonzalez

★★★★★

I highly recommend BBS for anyone looking for dependable service. Kendall provided outstanding customer support and made scheduling completely hassle-free. Technician Allan treated my home with care, explained each step of the process, and delivered excellent results. The entire team was professional, friendly, and committed to customer satisfaction.