Finding bed bugs in your home can be stressful, but quick action is only effective if it’s done the right way. Many homeowners unintentionally make the problem worse by moving items or trying DIY treatments that cause bed bugs to spread. Understanding how to contain and eliminate them properly can save you time, money, and frustration.

Identify the Signs of Bed Bugs

Before taking any action, confirm that you’re truly dealing with bed bugs. These pests are small, flat, and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed. Look for:

Small reddish stains or dark spots on sheets and mattresses
Tiny eggs or shed skins in mattress seams or furniture crevices
Itchy, red bites often appear in clusters or lines

Early identification is crucial because bed bugs reproduce quickly and can spread throughout your home in a matter of days.

Contain the Problem Immediately

Once you’ve identified bed bugs, your goal should be containment—not removal. Moving infested items from one room to another can spread the problem. Follow these steps to help keep bed bugs in one area:

Avoid moving bedding, clothes, or furniture from the affected room.
Use plastic bags or containers if you must move items—seal them tightly before transport.
Vacuum thoroughly, paying attention to seams, cracks, and crevices. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash bin.
Wash and dry linens and clothing on high heat. Bed bugs and their eggs can’t survive high temperatures.

Containment is a vital first step before professional treatment begins.

Avoid Common DIY Mistakes

It’s tempting to try store-bought sprays or home remedies, but many of these methods only drive bed bugs deeper into hiding. Some products kill visible bugs on contact but don’t affect hidden eggs or larvae. Others can even make the infestation worse by causing the pests to scatter.

Avoid these mistakes:

Using foggers or “bug bombs”
Spraying surfaces randomly
Throwing away infested furniture without properly sealing it

Professional-grade treatments are the most effective way to ensure every stage of the infestation is addressed safely.

Why Professional Treatment Is Essential

Bed bugs are resilient and can survive for months without feeding. They often hide in tiny cracks behind baseboards, outlets, and headboards—areas that are difficult to treat without specialized equipment.

Professional pest control technicians use proven methods that target bed bugs at every stage of life. At Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio, our team understands how to locate and eliminate infestations effectively, while helping you prevent them from returning.

Preventing Future Infestations

After treatment, regular inspection and maintenance can help keep bed bugs away for good.

Inspect hotel rooms and luggage when traveling.
Avoid bringing secondhand furniture indoors without careful examination.
Vacuum regularly and reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide.

Being proactive is the best defense against future infestations.

Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio

If you suspect bed bugs in your home, don’t wait or try to handle them alone. Contact Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio today at (830) 490-1566 for expert bed bug inspection and treatment. Our experienced team will eliminate the infestation safely and help restore your peace of mind.