Why Do I Have Bed Bugs In My Jacksonville Home?

Let’s face it—nobody wants to think about bed bugs. But if you’re waking up with itchy bites or spotting something suspicious in your bedding, you’re probably asking yourself: “Why do I have bed bugs in my house?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the first homeowner in Jacksonville to deal with this sneaky pest.

At Lindsey Pest Services, we help people all over Greater Jacksonville and the First Coast get rid of bed bugs—and we’re here to break it down for you in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Are Bed Bugs, Really?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood—mostly human. Adult bed bugs about the size and shape of an apple seed and like to come out at night to feed while you sleep. During the day, they hide out in tight spaces like seams of mattresses, behind headboards, under furniture, inside carpet fibers, or even in piles of clothes.

They’re found in every state—including right here in Jacksonville—and once they get into your home, they can spread fast.

How Do I Know If It’s Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are great at hiding, and sometimes they get mistaken for carpet beetles or other bugs. Here's what to look for:

• Live Bugs: small, flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects.
• Bites: itchy red welts, often in a line or cluster.
• Stains: rusty or reddish spots on sheets or mattresses (bed bug droppings).
• Eggs or Shed Skins: tiny white eggs or pale shed skins near mattress seams or furniture.

If you’re not 100% sure what you’re seeing, give us a call. Our team at Lindsey Pest Services knows exactly what to look for and how to confirm if bed bugs are the problem.

Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous?

Bed bug bites are definitely annoying, but thankfully they’re not known to spread disease. That said, the itching and irritation can be uncomfortable—and in some cases, lead to secondary skin infections from scratching. The real stress comes from the loss of sleep and the anxiety of not knowing where they’re hiding.

If you’ve found bed bugs in your clothes, wash and dry everything on the hottest setting to help kill bugs and eggs. But keep in mind—that’s just one step in the process.

Why Do I Have Bed Bugs?

It’s a common misconception that bed bugs only show up in dirty homes. That’s simply not true. Bed bugs are hitchhikers—they don’t care if your home is sparkling clean or cluttered. Most people bring them home accidentally after traveling, staying in hotels, or buying used furniture.

Here are a few quick prevention tips:

• Inspect hotel rooms before settling in—especially the mattress and headboard area.
• Keep luggage off beds and upholstered furniture when traveling.
• Use sealable plastic bags for dirty laundry while traveling.
• Check your bags and belongings before bringing them back into your home.

Bed bugs are excellent at hiding and spreading fast. Sharing what you know with your family can help everyone stay alert and prevent an infestation from taking hold.

What’s the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tough. They’re resistant to most over-the-counter sprays, and DIY treatments almost always fall short. That’s where Lindsey Pest Services comes in. As Jacksonville’s trusted pest control experts, we offer multiple professional bed bug treatment options, depending on the size and severity of the infestation.

Here’s what we might recommend:

• Steam Treatments: Perfect for getting into furniture, mattresses, and soft surfaces. Our commercial-grade steam reaches deep enough to kill bugs hiding about ¾ of an inch under fabric.
• Chemical Treatments: Effective for reaching bugs inside walls, under baseboards, and in cracks and crevices where steam can’t reach.
• Heat Chamber: We raise the temperature in our portable heat chamber above 116°F to eliminate all stages of bed bugs in infested items like beds, couches, or dressers.

No matter which treatment we use, we always come back for a follow-up about two weeks later to make sure the bed bugs are gone for good.

You Don’t Have to Deal With This Alone

At Lindsey Pest Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses throughout Jacksonville get relief from bed bugs. Our experienced team will inspect your home from top to bottom, explain your treatment options clearly, and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

If you suspect bed bugs—or just want peace of mind—contact us today to schedule a professional inspection. We’re here to help you sleep easier.

This blog was originally published on December 20, 2022; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.