Don't Let Them Bite!

Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in recent years, largely due to increased global travel and a general lack of awareness about these persistent pests. If you suspect you have bed bugs, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent them from spreading. Branham’s Exterminating specializes in comprehensive bed bug treatments, ensuring your home or business is bed bug-free.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that can be difficult to spot. They are about the size of an apple seed and hide in cracks, crevices, and bedding. Their eggs are even smaller—almost invisible to the naked eye—which makes detecting an infestation challenging. Common signs of bed bugs include:

• Small, itchy bites, often in clusters or lines on the skin
• Rust-colored stains on bedding from crushed bugs
• Tiny dark spots (fecal matter) on sheets, mattresses, or furniture
• Shed skins or eggshells in hiding areas

If you notice any of these signs, contact Branham’s Exterminating for a thorough inspection. Our trained technicians will find all potential hiding places and confirm whether you have an infestation.

Understanding Their Behavior

Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that feed on human and animal blood, typically at night while you sleep. They are excellent at hiding in tiny cracks and crevices, making them difficult to eliminate without professional help. Bed bugs can be transported unknowingly on clothing, luggage, and furniture, allowing them to spread quickly. Unlike other pests, they do not nest but instead congregate in hidden areas close to their food source.

Our Treatment

At Branham’s Exterminating, we provide a comprehensive bed bug treatment plan designed to completely eradicate these pests. Our bed bug service operates on a weekly basis to ensure thorough elimination. Treatment includes:

• A professional inspection to locate all hiding spots
• Targeted treatments
• Optional fogging treatments
• Continued monitoring to prevent reinfestation, using glue boards

For safety and effectiveness, insecticide treatments must be performed by our trained professionals. DIY treatments or third-party applications can interfere with the active ingredients in our specialized solutions, reducing their effectiveness.

Prevention

Preventing bed bug infestations requires vigilance, especially for frequent travelers and those in multi-unit housing. Here are some tips to help keep your home bed bug-free:

• Inspect hotel rooms before unpacking, checking mattresses, headboards, and furniture
• Wash and dry clothing on high heat after returning from a trip
• Avoid bringing used furniture or mattresses into your home without careful inspection
• Regularly vacuum and declutter your home to reduce hiding spots

If you’ve had a previous infestation, continued monitoring and periodic inspections can help prevent bed bugs from returning.

Preparation for Your Appointment

Proper preparation is essential for effective bed bug treatment. Before your scheduled service, we will send a more detailed preparation sheet and a waiver that must be signed. The homeowner is responsible for the following

• Ensure a clutter-free environment to allow full access to treatment areas. Items such as shoes and purses should be bagged up before treatment.
• If we fog, vacating the premises is required for at least two hours: one hour for treatment and one hour after treatment has been completed.
• Windows and doors must be completely shut before, during, and 4 hours after treatment. Thereafter, the area should be aired out for an hour.
• Pets must be out of the house during this time as well, including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds with their cages, and fish with their aquariums.
• All beds and couches must be stripped of comforters, sheets, mattress pads, pillowcases, blankets, etc.
• Remove all clothing from closets and dressers, wash and dry fabrics on high heat before putting them in heavy duty trash bags to store, prior to treatment. inspect for pest activity before removing them
• Cover and store open food or drink, including pet food

 

Branham’s Exterminating is committed to providing expert bed bug removal services that bring you peace of mind. If you suspect an infestation, don’t wait—contact us today for a professional inspection and treatment plan!