Bed Bug ExorcistGood night · sleep tight

Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite

Bed bugs, from someone who’s been there

A plain guide built from my own months with bed bugs in my first apartment: what I noticed, what I did, and what I’d do differently. Plus guides for your situation, whether you rent, travel, have kids or just bought a second-hand couch.

Where are you right now?
Read my story
A brown teddy bear with a bow, looking stern
Real experience, plain advice

Questions people ask

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A dim living room with a couch and a lamp

My story

My first apartment with bed bugs

It took a while for me to realize what was going on. Here’s how it unfolded, and the lesson from each step.

  1. Mid-September Something crawled on me while I watched TV. I caught it in a cup, didn’t know what it was, and let it go. Know what a bed bug looks like
  2. Over the winter A few bugs on the floor and in the tub, small spots on the sheets. I told myself they were harmless beetles. The signs I explained away
  3. February One night there was no more doubt. We had bed bugs, and I had to act. Your first steps, in order
  4. The next month Sorting every piece of clothing, sealing bags, leaving the bed behind and moving out. It took a little over a month. Clothes, toys and moving out

What helped

  • Sorting clothes into wash, dry-clean and donate piles
  • Sealing clean clothes in bags right away
  • Telling building management
  • Having a professional deal with the furniture

What I’d do differently

  • Taking the first strange bug seriously
  • Asking about bed bugs before moving in
  • Keeping the bed away from the walls
  • Never bringing home curbside furniture
Read the whole story

This guide shares my own experience and general tips. I’m not a pest control company. If you think you have bed bugs, a licensed pest control professional can confirm it and treat your home.