Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: How to Prevent, Detect, and Know When to Panic
“Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite…”
Who knew that old nursery rhyme would turn into real-life nightmare fuel?
Bed bugs are tiny, stealthy, and incredibly good at ruining a good night’s sleep. At Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how fast these pests can turn a peaceful home into a buzzing battleground. But don’t worry—we’re here to arm you with the know-how to prevent them, spot them early, and (only if needed) sound the alarm.
What Are Bed Bugs, Anyway?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans (yes, seriously). They’re about the size of an apple seed and flat as a credit card, which makes them experts at hiding in mattresses, furniture seams, baseboards, and luggage.
They don’t fly. They don’t jump. But boy, can they crawl—and travel.
Prevention: The Bed Bug Battle Starts Before You Bring Them Home
Think of bed bugs like hitchhikers. They don't wander in from your yard—they ride in on you, your clothes, your luggage, or secondhand furniture. So, how do you stop them before they get cozy?
Travel smart:
Always inspect hotel beds and furniture before unpacking.
Keep luggage on racks—not the floor or bed.
After traveling, wash and dry clothes on high heat, even if unworn.
Vacuum suitcases after trips (yes, really).
Be cautious with secondhand items:
If you’re a fan of thrift stores or curbside treasures, inspect everything thoroughly before bringing it inside.
Mattresses and upholstered furniture are high risk—when in doubt, leave it out.
Detection: Know the Signs Before They Multiply
Bed bugs are sneaky. But they leave clues. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Bites – Often in a line or cluster, typically on arms, legs, or neck. They can itch like crazy but are often mistaken for mosquito bites.
✅ Specks of blood – Tiny reddish stains on sheets or pillowcases.
✅ Rust-colored spots – Bed bug droppings (we know…gross).
✅ Shed skins – As they grow, they shed their exoskeletons, which look like tiny, empty bugs.
✅ A musty odor – In large infestations, you may notice a strange, sweet smell.
Grab a flashlight and check the seams of your mattress, box spring, and around your headboard. They also hide in outlets, curtain folds, and cracks in furniture.
When to Panic (and When Not To)
Let’s be clear—finding one bed bug doesn’t mean you’re starring in a horror movie. But it does mean it’s time to act fast.
Call in the pros. Bed bugs are incredibly resilient and can live for months without feeding. They also reproduce rapidly—one female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. DIY solutions rarely cut it.
What We Do (So You Don’t Have To Sleep With One Eye Open)
At Westfall’s, we specialize in discreet, thorough bed bug treatments. We use industry-leading techniques designed to eliminate every stage of the bed bug life cycle—from eggs to adults.
Our process includes:
Inspection – We identify hot spots and hiding places.
Targeted treatment – Safe, effective solutions tailored to your home.
Follow-up – Because bed bugs are persistent, so are we.
Sleep Tight, Sarasota & Manatee
Living in paradise shouldn’t mean sharing your bed with bloodsuckers. Whether you suspect bed bugs or just want peace of mind, Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control is here to help you sleep tight—bite-free.
Think you’ve got bed bugs?
Don’t panic—call Westfall’s. We’ll handle the pests so you can get back to dreaming of beach days, not bug bites.