Bed Bug Questions Answered
Get expert answers to the most common bed bug questions from Philadelphia's chemical-free bed bug elimination specialists.
Everything You Need to Know About Bed Bugs
Dealing with bed bugs can be stressful and confusing. We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about bed bug identification, treatment, prevention, and our chemical-free heat treatment process. Can't find your answer? Text or call us at (267) 225-0086 for personalized help.
Identification
Learn how to spot bed bugs and signs of infestation
Cost & Pricing
Understand treatment costs and what's included
Treatment
How heat treatment works and what to expect
Prevention
Tips to prevent and avoid bed bugs
Professional bed bug treatment in Philadelphia typically ranges from $1,750 to $5,000 depending on the size of your property and severity of infestation. CleanSure provides upfront, honest pricing with no hidden fees.
CleanSure provides upfront, honest pricing with no hidden fees. Most residential heat treatments cost $2,00-$3,500 and include a satisfaction guarantee.
Factors affecting cost include:
- Square footage of your home
- Ceiling heights and thermal architectural features
- Severity of infestation
- Number of rooms to treat
- Accessibility and preparation required
Contact us at (267) 225-0086 for a free inspection and accurate quote for your specific situation.
Most CleanSure heat treatments are completed in one day, typically taking 6-8 hours for a standard home.
Unlike chemical treatments that require multiple visits over several weeks, our thermal remediation eliminates all bed bugs in a single session. You can return to your home the same evening, and there's no need for follow-up treatments in most cases.
Timeline breakdown:
- Setup: 1-2 hours
- Heat treatment: 4-6 hours
- Cool down and verification: 1-2 hours
Yes, heat treatment is the most effective bed bug elimination method available.
Our thermal remediation achieves a 99.9% success rate by raising room temperatures to 120-140°F, which instantly kills bed bugs in all life stages including eggs, nymphs, and adults.
Unlike chemical sprays which bed bugs are increasingly resistant to, heat treatment:
- Penetrates all hiding spots (walls, furniture, cracks)
- Leaves no survivors or resistant populations
- Kills eggs that chemicals can't reach
- Creates no toxic residue
- Requires only one treatment
Common signs of bed bugs include:
- Bites: Red, itchy welts in lines or clusters on exposed skin
- Stains: Small red or brown spots on bedding from crushed bugs
- Fecal spots: Tiny dark spots (like pen marks) on mattresses
- Shed skins: Light brown molted exoskeletons near hiding spots
- Live bugs: Reddish-brown, apple seed-sized insects
- Musty odor: Sweet, musty smell in severe infestations
If you suspect bed bugs, call CleanSure at (267) 225-0086 for a free professional inspection. Early detection makes treatment easier and more affordable.
No, you'll need to leave during the heat treatment process, which typically takes 6-8 hours.
This is for your comfort, not safety - heat treatment uses no chemicals. Room temperatures reach 120-140°F, which would be uncomfortable for people and pets.
You can return the same evening once temperatures normalize (usually within 1-2 hours after treatment ends).
What needs to be removed temporarily:
- All people and pets
- House plants
- Certain heat-sensitive items (we provide a list)
Yes, CleanSure serves Philadelphia and all of Southeastern Pennsylvania including:
- Montgomery County
- Delaware County
- Chester County
- Bucks County
- Philadelphia County
We provide the same professional, chemical-free heat treatment throughout our service area with unmarked vehicles for your privacy.
Call (267) 225-0086 to confirm service availability in your specific location.
No, heat treatment eliminates bed bugs from your furniture without requiring disposal.
Our thermal remediation treats all items in place, including:
- Mattresses and box springs
- Sofas and upholstered furniture
- Dressers and nightstands
- Bed frames and headboards
- Electronics and appliances
Unlike chemical treatments where heavily infested items may need disposal, heat penetrates deep into furniture to kill all bed bugs and eggs. This saves you thousands of dollars in replacement costs.
Bed bugs spread primarily through human travel and secondhand furniture. They're expert hitchhikers.
Common ways bed bugs spread:
- Travel: Hotels, Airbnbs, hostels - luggage and clothing
- Secondhand items: Used furniture, mattresses, clothing
- Public spaces: Movie theaters, public transit, libraries
- Visitors: Guests bringing them in on belongings
- Neighboring units: Apartments/condos through walls
Important: Bed bugs do not jump or fly - they crawl. They're attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide from sleeping humans.
Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but they can cause significant discomfort and stress.
Physical effects:
- Itching and skin irritation from bites
- Secondary infections from scratching
- Allergic reactions in some people
- Anemia in extreme cases (rare)
Psychological effects:
- Anxiety and stress
- Insomnia and sleep deprivation
- Social embarrassment
- Depression in severe cases
While not medically dangerous, bed bugs seriously impact quality of life and should be eliminated promptly by professionals.
Yes, bed bugs can infest vehicles. They hide in upholstery, under seats, in trunk areas, and other crevices.
Car infestations usually occur when:
- Bed bugs hitchhike from an infested home
- You pick them up from contaminated locations
- Transporting infested items
- Long commutes provide time for bugs to establish
If you have bed bugs in your home, inspect your vehicle thoroughly. Heat treatment can also be used for vehicle decontamination.
Text or Call CleanSure at (267) 225-0086 if you suspect bed bugs in your car.
CleanSure offers a comprehensive satisfaction guarantee.
If you see any bed bug activity within 30 days after treatment, we'll return and re-treat at no additional charge.
Why we can offer this guarantee:
- Our heat treatment has a 99.9% success rate
- Callbacks are extremely rare (less than 1%)
- Thermal remediation eliminates all life stages
- Certified technicians with years of experience
- Commercial-grade equipment and monitoring
We stand behind our work with full confidence because when done properly, heat treatment eliminates all bed bugs in a single treatment.
We offer same-day and next-day service for emergency situations. Most clients can be scheduled within 24-48 hours.
We understand the urgency of bed bug problems and prioritize quick response times.
Our availability:
- 24/7 phone line: (267) 225-0086
- Same-day inspections available
- Emergency service prioritization
- Flexible scheduling (evenings/weekends)
- Often can begin treatment day of approval
Don't wait - bed bugs multiply quickly. The sooner you treat, the easier and more affordable the solution.
Preparation for heat treatment is minimal compared to chemical treatments.
What you need to remove:
- Heat-sensitive items (candles, crayons, chocolate)
- Medications and vitamins
- Plants and pets
- Aerosol cans and pressurized containers
- Firearms and ammunition
- Musical instruments (some)
What stays in place:
- All furniture and mattresses
- Clothing in dressers (no need to bag)
- Electronics and appliances
- Books and papers
- Dishes and kitchenware
We provide a detailed preparation checklist before your appointment. The minimal prep is one of many advantages of heat treatment over chemical methods.
Heat treatment offers several significant advantages:
Effectiveness:
- 99.9% success rate vs. 60-80% with chemicals
- One treatment vs. multiple applications over weeks
- Kills all life stages including eggs
- No resistance issues (bed bugs can't adapt to heat)
Safety:
- No toxic chemicals or residue
- Safe for children, pets, and sensitive individuals
- No lingering odors or stains
- Return home same day
Convenience:
- Done in one day
- Minimal preparation required
- No need to dispose of furniture
- Less disruption to your life
While heat treatment costs more upfront, it saves time, eliminates repeated applications, and provides peace of mind with guaranteed results.
Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, itchy welts often in a distinctive pattern.
Appearance:
- Red, raised bumps similar to mosquito bites
- Often in lines or clusters (called "breakfast, lunch, dinner")
- Flat or raised with a dark center
- Can develop into welts or hives
Location:
- Usually on exposed skin while sleeping
- Arms, legs, neck, face, shoulders
- Rarely under clothing
Important notes:
- Bites may take several days to appear
- Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites (30% show no reaction)
- Can be mistaken for mosquito bites or allergies
- Lack of bites doesn't mean no bed bugs
Look for other signs like spots on bedding or actual bugs to confirm infestation.
No, this is a common myth. Bed bugs infest any home regardless of cleanliness.
Bed bugs are attracted to:
- Warmth from human bodies
- Carbon dioxide we exhale
- Blood - their only food source
They are NOT attracted to dirt, food debris, or garbage.
Bed bugs are found equally in:
- Five-star hotels and luxury resorts
- Million-dollar homes and penthouses
- Immaculate apartments
- Hospital rooms and nursing homes
- Movie theaters and retail stores
Anyone can get bed bugs through travel, visitors, secondhand furniture, or neighboring units. Having bed bugs is not a reflection of your housekeeping and should not cause embarrassment.
If you find bed bugs, follow these immediate steps:
1. Don't Panic (But Act Quickly)
- Bed bugs are treatable with professional help
- Early detection makes treatment easier and cheaper
- Quick action prevents spread to other rooms
2. DO NOT:
- Move items to other rooms (spreads infestation)
- Throw away furniture (can be treated)
- Use store-bought pesticides (creates resistance)
- Try DIY heat methods (ineffective and dangerous)
3. DO:
- Isolate the affected room if possible
- Take photos for documentation
- Call CleanSure immediately: (267) 225-0086
- Schedule a free professional inspection
We can often provide same-day or next-day service. Early professional intervention prevents small infestations from becoming severe.
Still Have Questions?
Our bed bug experts are here to help. Call now for a free consultation and inspection.
📞 Text or Call (267) 225-0086