Not sure where to start? If you need immediate relief, this article tells you which sections of this website you should read first. 

But before we get to that, let me say that if you even suspect you have bed bugs, do not waste any time. Get a pest control specialist in your house RIGHT NOW. Bed bugs multiply fast. They don’t behave like ants, roaches or other pests you may have encountered before.

In fact, if you try to get rid of them the way you’d get rid of other kinds of bugs, you’ll JUST MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE! They will multiply, it will take longer to get rid of them, it will cost more, and you will lose more sleep. Seriously. 

• Bed bugs are very hard to eradicate, multiply fast, and don’t behave like other insect pests. It is unlikely that you have the know-how to eradicate them yourself. So your first step is to find a reputable pest control company in your area.

  • Read the Tips on Choosing a Pest Control Operator .

  • Check the links on finding pest control companies in the Bed Bug Resources page to find reputable companies in your area.

  • Make some calls and hire one.

• In the meantime, read The 3 Things You Must NEVER Do, or You’ll Make your Bed Bug Problem Worse .

  • Don’t try to treat them yourself

  • Don’t sleep anywhere except your own bed

  • Don’t throw any furniture or mattresses out. They can be saved.

• Know that this is not your fault. Read the section entitled Five Realizations That Will Help You Reclaim Your Mental Health .

• In preparation for the exterminator’s work, read about techniques for isolating your bed   and multiplying the effectiveness of your bed bug exterminator’s work .

  • Discuss these steps with your pest control operator (PCO), then implement them

• These steps will jumpstart your efforts to control the problem. Once you have some breathing room, read the rest of this site.