Pest Control News Archives
What to Do Immediately After Finding Bed Bugs?
You’re changing your sheets or sitting on the couch, and suddenly—there it is. A minor, reddish bug you think might be a bed bug. Your heart sinks. What now?
If you’re in Ogden or Salt Lake, you’re not alone. Bed bug infestations are more common than people think, and the good news? You can act fast to contain the problem. This guide breaks down exactly what to do within the first 24 hours of finding bed bugs—whether it’s one bug or a full-blown invasion.
Let’s stop the spread and regain control.
What We’ll Cover
- Spotting Bed Bugs: Confirming the Signs
- Emergency Steps to Take Immediately
- DIY vs. Professional Help: What Really Works
- Long-Term Prevention: Keeping Them Out for Good
- When to Call Legacy Pest Control
- Frequently Asked Questions
Spotting Bed Bugs: Confirming the Signs
Before diving into treatment, it’s crucial to confirm the culprit:
Signs of a bed bug infestation:
- Reddish-brown bugs, 1/4 inch long, flat and oval
- Small blood stains or black specks (fecal spots) on sheets
- Musty odor near furniture or bedding
- Itchy, red bites in a line or cluster (often on arms or legs)
Tip: Use a flashlight to check seams of your mattress, couch cushions, and behind baseboards.
If you’re unsure, take a clear photo and compare it to verified sources, such as the EPA Bed Bug Identification Guide.
Emergency Steps to Take Immediately
Once you confirm the presence of bed bugs, act fast to stop them from spreading:
- Isolate the Area:
- Avoid moving bedding/clothing to other rooms.
- Keep guests and pets away from the infested zone.
- Hot Wash & Dry Bedding:
- Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (at least 120°F).
- Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum Thoroughly:
- Vacuum mattress seams, furniture, cracks, and floor edges.
- Empty the vacuum immediately and dispose of the bag outside.
- Declutter & Contain:
- Remove nearby clutter (magazines, clothes, boxes).
- Store in sealed plastic bins or garbage bags until treated.
Avoid using store-bought foggers, as they often disperse bed bugs further into your home.
DIY vs. Professional Help: What Really Works
Some minor infestations may be controlled with diligence, but DIY has limits:
DIY Bed Bug Methods:
- Mattress encasements
- Steam treatments (kills eggs & bugs on contact)
- Bed bug intercept traps (detects activity)
However, many over-the-counter sprays are ineffective against hidden bugs and unhatched eggs.
Why Professional Treatment Wins:
- Trained experts detect bugs in walls, outlets, and furniture.
- Heat treatments or integrated pest management ensure full eradication.
- Follow-up inspections verify complete elimination.
At Legacy Pest Control, we’ve helped hundreds of Utah homeowners eliminate bed bugs quickly and discreetly with proven strategies.
Long-Term Prevention: Keeping Them Out for Good
After treatment, prevention is key to keeping bed bugs from returning:
- Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it inside.
- Travel smart: Always inspect the hotel mattress and keep your luggage off the bed.
- Use encasements on all mattresses and box springs.
- Vacuum weekly and reduce clutter where bugs could hide.
- Schedule regular inspections if you live in a multi-unit housing complex.
Bed bugs don’t care how clean your home is, but staying vigilant helps.
When to Call Legacy Pest Control
If you’ve spotted more than one bed bug or suspect the problem goes beyond your mattress, it’s time to bring in the pros.
We offer:
- Free inspections for Northern Utah residents
- Safe, family-friendly treatments with minimal disruption
- Discounted quarterly services to prevent future infestations
Don’t wait until the infestation spreads—we’re here to help with fast, affordable, and discreet service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop the Spread, Start the Fix
Finding bed bugs is unsettling, but taking the proper first steps can make all the difference. Whether it’s a single sighting or a growing infestation, fast action protects your home and peace of mind.
Need help? Legacy Pest Control is here for you with local expertise, friendly service, and proven results.
Can You Tell If You Have Termites? 7 Key Signs Every Utah Homeowner Should Know
What We’ll Cover
- Top 7 Warning Signs of Termites
- How to Check for Termites Yourself (Safely)
- Termites vs. Ants: Key Differences
- When to Call a Professional Pest Control Team
- What Happens If You Ignore the Problem
Think you might have termites?
Get peace of mind with a no-obligation inspection from our local experts.
Top 7 Warning Signs of Termites
Termites can be stealthy, but these telltale signs can tip you off before severe damage is done:
- Mud Tubes on walls or foundation edges
- Discarded Wings near windowsills or door frames
- Hollow Sounding Wood when tapped
- Frass (Termite Droppings) that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
- Tight-fitting Doors and Windows (caused by warping)
- Cracked Paint or Bubbling Drywall
- Live Termites (white, ant-like insects) spotted during renovations
Pro Tip: Shine a flashlight along baseboards or in crawl spaces — visible mud lines or pinholes can be early indicators.
Request Your Free Termite Quote
How to Check for Termites Yourself (Safely)
You don’t need to rip up your floors — just follow these simple checks:
- Inspect Baseboards and TrimTap wooden surfaces and listen for a hollow sound.
- Look Behind Stored Items in BasementsTermites love dark, undisturbed places.
- Shine a Light in Crawl Spaces or AtticsUse a flashlight to check beams and joists for mud tubes or damage.
- Check Window Frames from the OutsideEspecially after rain, termites may swarm in these weak spots.
Always wear gloves and avoid disturbing visible termite nests
Termites vs. Ants: Key Differences
Confusing termites with ants is common — but they behave and damage differently
| Feature | Termites | Ants |
| Antennae | Straight | Elbowed |
| Body Shape | Broad waist | Pinched waist |
| Wings (Swarmers) | Equal size | Unequal size |
| Color | Creamy white / brown | Reddish-black or dark brown |
If you’re unsure, take a clear photo and send it to a pest expert.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Team
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs — even just one — it’s time to call in an expert.
At Legacy Pest Control, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across northern Utah identify and eliminate termite infestations before they become disasters. Our free quote and inspection can save you hundreds — if not thousands — in damage.
We also offer quarterly prevention plans so termites don’t come back.
What Happens If You Ignore the Problem
Waiting too long can cause:
- Structural damage to floors and walls
- Unsafe electrical issues if termites chew near wires
- Expensive home repairs
- Insurance headaches (many policies don’t cover termite damage)
Early detection is key. A 15-minute inspection could prevent a $15,000 problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Termites
Why You Can Trust Legacy Pest Control
Legacy Pest Control has proudly served the Ogden area for over 15 years, offering affordable and reliable pest control. Our team is licensed, family-owned, and trusted by thousands of local families. For more on termite science, visit the EPA’s termite guide.
Protecting Your Home from Termite Damage
Termites can quietly destroy a home from the inside out — but if you know what to look for, you can stop them in their tracks.
Watch for the signs, do a quick DIY check, and if in doubt, get help. Whether you’ve seen frass, mud tubes, or strange wood damage, Legacy Pest Control is here to help.
Learn More About Our Pest Control Plans
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What Brings Bed Bugs Into Your Home (And How You Can Stop Them)
Waking up with mysterious bites? Wondering how bed bugs found their way into your life? You’re not alone. Bed bug infestations can feel like they happen overnight, causing stress, frustration, and sleepless nights.
If you’re in Ogden or anywhere in Northern Utah and struggling with bed bugs, this guide is for you. Let’s uncover the hidden ways these pests invade your space—and most importantly, how you can kick them out for good.
What We’ll Cover
- How Bed Bugs Get Into Homes
- Surprising Ways You Might Attract Bed Bugs
- Early Warning Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
- How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Back
- When to Call a Professional for Help
How Bed Bugs Get Into Homes
Bed bugs are sneaky hitchhikers. They don’t just “appear”; they travel by clinging to:
- Luggage and travel bags (especially from hotels or public transportation)
- Used furniture or mattresses bought secondhand
- Clothing or belongings after visiting infested spaces
- Shared walls in apartment complexes and hotels
At Legacy Pest Control, we’ve seen it all: families returning from vacations, college students coming home, even moving trucks unknowingly transporting these pests.
Quick Tip: Always inspect hotel beds and furniture seams when traveling!
If you suspect an infestation, our bed bug extermination services are proven to eliminate the problem efficiently.
Surprising Ways You Might Attract Bed Bugs
You might be surprised to learn that bed bugs don’t discriminate — clean homes, luxury hotels, small apartments, it doesn’t matter.
Common bed bug magnets include:
- Leaving laundry piles on the floor (easy hiding spots)
- Traveling frequently without checking your luggage
- Buying second-hand furniture without inspecting carefully
- High-density living environments (college dorms, apartment buildings)
Even frequent guests visiting from an infested home can unknowingly carry bed bugs into yours.
For tips on maintaining a pest-free environment year-round, check out our advice on preventive pest control.
Early Warning Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Catching a bed bug problem early can save you time, stress, and money. Here’s what to look for:
- Tiny red bites in a line or cluster, usually overnight
- Small blood stains on your sheets
- Musty, unpleasant odors around the bed
- Shed skins or tiny white eggs in mattress seams or furniture cracks
If you spot any of these, act quickly! Bed bugs multiply fast.
Learn more about early pest infestation signs and why early detection matters.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Back
Once you handle an infestation, prevention is key. Here’s how you can protect your home long-term:
- Use bed bug-proof mattress encasements
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture regularly
- Minimize clutter (fewer hiding spots)
- Inspect second-hand purchases carefully
- Be cautious during travel — inspect luggage before bringing it inside
At Legacy Pest Control, we offer quarterly preventative treatments to ensure your home stays protected, season after season.
Explore how we help keep homes pest-free with our residential pest control services.
When to Call a Professional for Help
DIY efforts can help in minor cases, but bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate completely without professional-grade treatments.
You should consider calling in experts if:
- You see multiple signs (bites, stains, live bugs)
- Home remedies don’t work after a week or two
- You have a large or spreading infestation
Find out more about when to call a professional for pest problems.
Call the Experts Today for Bed Bug Removal
Bed bugs are clever invaders, but they aren’t unbeatable. By understanding how they get in, spotting them early, and acting decisively, you can protect your home and your peace of mind.
Need expert help? Legacy Pest Control is just a call away. With over 15 years serving the Ogden area, we’re ready to help you reclaim your home—quickly, safely, and affordably.
FAQ
Sources: Healthline, EPA, CDC.
At Legacy Pest Control, we’ve helped hundreds of Northern Utah families find relief from bed bugs with proven, affordable treatments.
When Should You Call a Professional for Pest Problems?
Pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can threaten your health, damage your property, and disrupt your daily life. While some minor pest issues can be handled with DIY solutions, others require professional intervention. But how do you know when to call pest control experts? If you’re wondering whether it’s time to reach out for professional pest services, we’ve got you covered.
Are Businesses Required to Have Pest Control?
Pests are more than just an inconvenience; they can pose significant risks to businesses, from health violations to property damage and reputational harm. Whether you’re running a restaurant, a retail store, or an office in Utah, keeping your business pest-free isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s often a legal requirement. But what exactly do business pest control requirements entail?
Do I Need Pest Control in Winter?
As the crisp winter air settles over Utah, you might think that pests have retreated for the season, leaving your home free from unwanted visitors. But is that really the case? You’re about to discover why winter pest control is not just important, but essential for maintaining a pest-free home all year round.
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