Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed exclusively on human blood, making hotels, B&Bs, and timeshares especially vulnerable. Measuring just 1 to 7 millimeters, they can survive for months without feeding and spread easily from room to room through luggage, linens, housekeeping carts, and shared walls.
Their flat bodies allow them to hide in areas commonly found in guest accommodations, including mattress seams, box springs, upholstered furniture, headboards, nightstands, baseboards, and even electrical outlets. Because they are nocturnal and excellent at concealing themselves, infestations often go unnoticed until guests report bites or visible signs—by which point the issue may have already spread.
For lodging properties, bed bugs are more than a pest problem. They pose a serious reputational risk, can lead to negative reviews, room closures, lost revenue, and potential liability. Professional detection and treatment are critical to protecting both guests and your business.
How Bed Bugs Are Introduced Into Homes and Buildings
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They commonly enter homes through travel-related exposure, including hotels, airports, and rideshare vehicles. They can also be brought in on used furniture or spread between units in apartments, condos, and other multi-unit buildings.
Because they are so small, most people do not realize they have picked up bed bugs until the infestation is already established. Even clean, well-maintained homes are at risk, as bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter—they are attracted to people.
Signs You May Have Bed Bugs
One of the most common indicators of bed bugs is waking up with bite marks, often appearing in lines or clusters on exposed skin. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, which can delay detection.
Other warning signs include:
- Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
- Small black dots (bed bug droppings) on bedding
- Shed skins near mattress seams or furniture
- A musty or slightly sweet odor in sleeping areas
- Live bugs in severe infestations
Carefully inspecting mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and nearby furniture can help confirm a problem.
What to Do If You Discover Bed Bugs in a Commercial Property
If bed bugs are suspected in a hotel, B&B, timeshare, or other commercial lodging property, quick and controlled action is critical. Avoid moving furniture, linens, or equipment between rooms, as this can spread bed bugs to unaffected areas. Immediately remove the affected room from service and seal it off until a professional inspection can be completed.
Bag all bedding and washable items in sealed plastic bags before transporting them to laundry facilities, and wash and dry on high heat. Limit access to the room and notify housekeeping and management so proper containment procedures can be followed. Vacuuming mattresses, furniture, and flooring may help reduce activity but should only be done as a short-term measure, with vacuums emptied and disposed of properly to prevent spread.
Bed bugs are highly resistant to DIY treatments, and missed eggs or hidden insects can quickly restart an infestation. For commercial properties, professional treatment is essential to ensure full elimination and to protect neighboring rooms and units.
Heat treatment is one of the most effective solutions for commercial settings, as it kills bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs. This method requires specialized equipment and trained technicians to safely and thoroughly treat the space without damaging property. Partnering with a licensed pest control professional ensures proper containment, effective treatment, and minimal disruption to your operations.
Professional Bed Bug Control for Residential and Commercial Properties in Michigan
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional treatment due to their ability to hide, resist common methods, and survive for long periods without feeding. This makes expert intervention essential for both homes and commercial properties.
Northern Pest provides reliable bed bug control services throughout Michigan, using proven, effective treatments to eliminate infestations and help prevent spread. Early detection and professional response can reduce downtime, limit disruption, and protect occupants and guests. Contact Northern Pest to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward resolving a bed bug issue with confidence.
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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to provide professional mold mitigation services resulting from animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.
Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.