Published by Covenant Pest Services – Your trusted bed bug control experts serving Acworth, Marietta, and the North Atlanta Metro area
Waking up with mysterious bites or finding strange stains on your sheets? You might be dealing with bed bugs—one of the most persistent and stressful pests affecting homes in North Atlanta. These tiny invaders can go unnoticed until an infestation takes hold, which is why early detection and effective treatment are critical.
As a faith-based pest control company with over 30 years of experience, Covenant Pest Services has helped countless North Atlanta families identify and eliminate bed bug problems. Here’s what you need to know to protect your home.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Proper bed bug identification is key to getting rid of them effectively. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4–5mm), flat and oval-shaped, with a reddish-brown color that darkens after feeding. Bed bug eggs are tiny (1mm), white, and sticky—often found in clusters. Baby bed bugs (nymphs) look like smaller, translucent versions of adults and turn darker as they grow through five molting stages.
Where and How to Check for Bed Bugs
To check for bed bugs, inspect common hiding areas where they rest during the day and feed at night.
In bedrooms, start with mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. Use a flashlight to check seams, corners, and joints. Look for live bugs, shed skins, dark fecal spots, or blood stains. Don’t forget to pull the bed away from the wall and inspect behind the headboard.
Elsewhere in the home, check upholstered furniture, especially couch seams and under cushions. Also inspect curtains, baseboards, carpet edges, electrical outlets, and even wall hangings near beds or seating areas.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
You don’t need to see live bugs to know you have a problem. Common signs of bed bugs include:
- Bites in lines or clusters on exposed skin
- Small rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
- Tiny black spots (excrement)
- Sweet, musty odor in heavily infested rooms
- Shed skins or empty egg shells near hiding areas
Early signs may be subtle, like a single bite or a faint odor, but they escalate quickly. If you see bugs during daylight, the infestation is likely severe.
Where Bed Bugs Come From and Hide
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers and can spread easily through:
- Travel (hotels, rentals)
- Used furniture (especially beds and couches)
- Visitors (on clothing or bags)
- Shared walls in apartments or condos
- Public transportation
Once inside, they hide in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture crevices, picture frames, baseboards, electrical outlets, and curtains. Their ability to stay hidden makes professional detection and treatment a must.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: DIY vs. Professional Treatment
DIY methods like over-the-counter sprays, foggers, and natural remedies rarely solve the problem. Bed bugs are resistant to many insecticides and hide in places these products can’t reach. Missing even a few bugs can allow the infestation to return quickly.
Professional bed bug extermination with Covenant Pest Services includes:
- Comprehensive inspection and customized treatment plans
- Heat treatments that kill all life stages in one day
- Chemical applications using professional-grade, targeted solutions
- Mattress encasements and follow-up monitoring to prevent reinfestation
Treatment Options: Heat vs. Chemical
Heat Treatment
- Kills all life stages in one session (6–8 hours)
- Pesticide-free, eco-friendly
- Higher upfront cost but faster results
Chemical Treatment
- Typically requires 2–4 treatments over several weeks
- Lower per-treatment cost
- Effective with proper application and follow-up
Bed bug treatment cost varies based on property size, infestation severity, and method used. We provide clear, upfront pricing during your inspection.
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
Preventing bed bugs is easier than eliminating them. When traveling, inspect hotel mattresses, keep luggage off the floor, and launder all clothing in hot water when you return home. At home, inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it inside, seal cracks and crevices, and use mattress encasements for added protection.
What kills bed bugs instantly?
- Heat above 120°F
- Direct steam
- Professional pesticides
- Diatomaceous earth (properly applied)
Understanding the Bed Bug Life Cycle
Bed bugs go from egg to adult in about 5–7 weeks under ideal conditions. They feed every 3–7 days and can survive several months without food, making them incredibly resilient. Adults can live 6–12 months, especially in hidden areas of your home.
Learn more about the bed bug life cycle and why timing is critical for effective treatment.
Why Choose Covenant Pest Services?
For over three decades, Covenant Pest Services has been North Atlanta’s trusted, faith-based pest control provider. We combine science-backed solutions with a commitment to integrity, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Our Bed Bug Service Includes:
- Detailed inspections and honest assessments
- Safe, customized treatment plans (heat or chemical)
- Licensed, experienced technicians
- Follow-up monitoring and prevention guidance
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We proudly serve Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding North Atlanta communities.
👉 Call (678) 437-1234 or request your FREE inspection today.
