Bed Bugs
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects that feed exclusively on blood. They’re nocturnal, hiding in tight cracks and seams by day and emerging at night to bite and feed.
Common Bed Bug Species in Texas
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Cimex lectularius (Common Bed Bug)
— Thrives in temperate climates; most infestations occur in homes and hotels. -
Cimex hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug)
— More heat-tolerant; occasionally found in southern U.S. regions, including Texas.
Bed Bug Life Cycle
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Eggs: Tiny (1 mm), pearl-white eggs laid in clusters hatch in 6–10 days.
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Nymphs: Five instars (stages), each requiring a blood meal before molting; total development in 5–8 weeks.
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Adults: Live 6–12 months, feed every 3–7 days, and can survive many months without feeding in cool conditions.
How Bed Bugs Impact Your Home & Health
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Itchy Bites: Red, raised welts often in a line or cluster on exposed skin.
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Sleep Disruption: Anxiety and irritation lead to poor rest.
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Rapid Spread: Hitchhike on luggage, clothing and furniture infestations can grow quickly.
Warning Signs of Infestation
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Rust-Colored Spots: Blood stains or fecal spots on sheets, mattresses and upholstery.
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Shed Skins & Shells: Cast skins from nymphal molts in seams and crevices.
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Sweet, Musty Odor: Overripe raspberries scent in heavy infestations.
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Live Bugs: Small, flat, apple-seed-shaped insects hiding in mattress piping, bed frames and headboards.
Prevention Tips
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Inspect Secondhand Items: Don’t bring in used mattresses or furniture without a thorough check.
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Protect Your Bed: Use certified encasements on mattresses and box springs.
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Reduce Clutter: Fewer hiding spots in closets, under beds and around nightstands.
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Be Travel-Smart: Unpack luggage in a garage or laundry room; wash everything on hot and vacuum suitcases.
Treatment Options
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Heat Treatments: Whole-room or localized heat chambers that raise temperatures above 120 °F to kill all life stages.
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Steam Applications: High-temperature steam injected into cracks and fabric folds.
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Chemical Treatments: EPA-registered residual sprays and dusts applied to harborage sites.
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Integrated Approach: Combination of prep guidance, chemical or heat methods, plus follow-up inspections.
Why Bed Bug Control Matters
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Health & Comfort: Bed bug bites can cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and sleepless nights.
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Rapid Infestation: A few bugs can hide in mattress seams, spread room to room, and colonize quickly.
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DIY Often Fails: Over-the-counter sprays don’t reach all harborage sites - professionals are essential.
Our Bed Bug Treatment Process
Thorough Inspection
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We use visual and interceptor-trap checks to pinpoint every hiding spot.
Tailored Treatment Plan
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You get a clear proposal: heat vs. chemical application, prep instructions, and cost.
Client Prep Guidance
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We walk you through laundry, mattress encasements, and room prep so treatment is maximally effective.
Precision Application
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Our trained techs deploy heat chambers or steamer equipment to raise room temperatures above 120°F, or apply targeted treatments to cracks and crevices.
Follow-Up Check
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We revisit after 7-14 days to ensure colony elimination, and retreat if needed.
Why Choose Deep Six Pest Control?
Locally Owned & Operated
Fast & Friendly Service
Family & Pet Friendly Treatments
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Our Mission Statement
At Deep Six Pest, we are committed to transforming the pest control industry through unmatched customer service and unwavering honesty. We believe in building trust by delivering transparent, effective solutions tailored to each customer’s needs, ensuring a pest-free environment while exceeding expectations. Our mission is to disrupt the industry by setting a new standard for excellence, integrity, and customer care in every interaction.