Person spraying insecticide on floor near cockroaches to control pest infestation indoors.

Bugged Out: Do You Really Need to Fumigate Bed Bugs?

Let's get one thing straight: bed bugs are the absolute worst. These bloodsucking pests are the freeloading guests that nobody invited, but once they're in, they make themselves very, very comfortable.

And when people discover them, panic sets in. A quick online search later, and you're suddenly convinced your only option is to fumigate your entire house.

But is that really necessary?

At Greenix, we hear this question all the time, and as your friendly neighborhood Pest Nerds, we're here to clear the air (literally and figuratively).


Fumigation for a Bed Bug Infestation? Nope, Not How We Roll.

Despite what the internet may say, fumigation is not the default bed bug treatment, and it's certainly not our go-to method.

Here's why:

  • It's more expensive. Fumigation can cost upwards of $7,000, depending on the home's size and severity of the bed bug infestation.

  • It's only necessary for whole-home bed bug infestations. We're talking bed bugs in every room—walls, furniture, floors…the whole nine yards.

  • It involves heavy chemical usage. Fumigation means treating your home like a science lab, and that's not ideal for most families (especially with kids or pets around).

Most of the time, fumigation is total overkill for the problem at hand. That's where Greenix comes in with a better, more strategic way to eliminate bed bugs.


Why Steam + Dust is the Dynamic Duo of Bed Bug Control

At Greenix, our bed bug treatment strategy focuses on precision, safety, and long-term prevention. No chemical clouds or hazmat suits required.

Here's how we do it:


1. Steam Heat Treatment

Steam is ideal for direct contact elimination. We hit mattresses, cracks, baseboards, furniture, and everywhere else that bed bugs hide with high-heat steam that kills bed bugs and their eggs instantly, without leaving behind chemical residue. It's effective and pet/kid-friendly.


2. Crack & Crevice Dust Treatment

Next, we take your bed bug treatment to the preventative level. We apply a residual dust into all the places bed bugs hide: wall voids, outlet covers, furniture joints, and more. This dust keeps working long after the steam treatment, preventing reinfestation and targeting hidden bugs that didn't come out to play.

Together, these two methods provide a targeted, effective, and preventative approach to bed bug elimination that works without the hassle of fumigating.


Why Greenix? Because We're Bed Bug Brainiacs.

We get it. Bed bugs are the kind of pest that can send even the calmest homeowner into a frenzy. But you don't need to panic (or bug bomb your house) to solve the problem.

Here's why calling in Greenix is the smart move:

  • We don't guess. We inspect. Our team starts with a detailed inspection to locate signs of activity and determine the full scope of the bed bugs inside your home.

  • We know where they hide. Bed bugs are expert hiders (mattress seams, bed frames, dresser cracks, wall outlets), but we know their patterns and how to flush them out.

  • We treat the source—not just the symptoms. Many treatments only get the bugs you see. We get rid of bed bugs you don't see, too.

  • We walk you through everything. Our Pest Nerds educate you every step of the way so you're never left in the dark—or scratching your head.


Bed Bug FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered


How long are you contagious with bed bugs?

Technically, bed bugs don't "infect" you...they infest your space. But they can hitchhike on clothes or bags, so until your home is treated professionally, you can spread them to other locations.


What is the first thing to do if you have bed bugs?

Call the pros, seriously. Vacuuming, washing bedding, and isolating affected rooms can help in the short term, but you need a trained bed bug exterminator to ensure they're completely eliminated.


How to treat bed bug bites?

Most bed bug bites can be treated at home and will go away within a week or two. Here's how to soothe the itch and prevent infection:

  • Wash the bites with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

  • Apply anti-itch creams or hydrocortisone to calm inflammation and itching.

  • Avoid scratching—we know, it's tough! But scratching can lead to skin infections and scarring.

  • Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and irritation.

If your bites become increasingly red, swollen, or painful (or if you develop signs of infection or an allergic reaction) contact a healthcare provider.

And remember, treating the bites won't solve the infestation. You'll need to partner with pros (hi!) to evict the bugs for good.


Can you feel bed bugs crawling on you?

Sometimes, yes. Bed bugs are tiny but not invisible. Their bites often go unnoticed until you wake up with itchy red marks, but during feeding, you might feel light, crawling sensations.


Can you see bed bug eggs?

Yes, but spotting them isn't easy. Bed bug eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead (1mm), and are pearly white or translucent in color. They're often found in tight, hidden spaces like mattress seams, box springs, behind headboards, inside furniture joints, and even behind baseboards or outlet covers.

Most people don't notice the eggs until an infestation is well underway. You might also see shed skins or tiny white casings, which are signs the eggs have already hatched.

Bottom line? If you're seeing eggs, you're already dealing with an active bed bug infestation, and it's time to call in the Pest Nerds at Greenix to eliminate the bed bug problem at the source.


What kills bed bugs instantly?

Heat. That's why steam is such an effective tool. Bed bugs (and their eggs) die when exposed to temps above 120°F. Direct-contact heat is the fastest method for instant knockdown.


What is the main cause of bed bugs?

Travel and secondhand items. These pests are hitchhikers—they climb into suitcases, backpacks, used furniture, and even clothing. Hotels, dorms, and public transit are common hot spots.


Don't Lose Sleep. Call the Pest Nerds at Greenix!

If you're spotting red bumps, catching creepy crawlies at night, or just have that unsettling feeling…it's time to act. Let us give your bed (and your peace of mind) back.

  • No fumigation

  • No unnecessary chemicals

  • No more sleepless nights

Schedule your pest inspection with Greenix today, and let's evict those tiny vampires once and for all.


Have a Pest Problem? Contact Greenix Today!



Monday-Friday
8 AM - 8 PM ET/7 AM - 7 PM CST
Saturday
8 AM - 7 PM ET/7 AM - 6 PM CST
Sunday
9 AM - 5 PM ET/8 AM - 4 PM CST