Why Won't Bed Bugs Stay Away?

Jul 12, 2024

If you are struggling with bed bugs returning time after time, there is something important that you need to know: they are not returning—they never actually left! Bed bugs have an uncanny ability to sense danger and will retreat into hiding until they feel safe again. It's common for people to vacuum up bed bugs and assume the infestation is gone when the biting stops. However, without appropriate bed bug treatment in Knoxville, you may only be removing adult bed bugs while leaving behind eggs hidden in cracks and tight spaces. Once these eggs hatch, a new crop of bed bugs emerges, making it seem like a re-infestation. In reality, it's an extension of the original problem.

The Biggest Misconception About Bed Bug Re-infestation

If you are struggling with bed bugs returning time after time, you need to know something important! They are not returning - the reality is that they never actually left! When bed bugs sense danger, they retreat and do not come out until they feel it is safe for them to do so! It is also common for people to vacuum up bed bugs, and then because they stop being bitten, they assume the infestation is gone. However, without appropriate bed bug treatment in Knoxville, all you have done is remove the adult bed bugs, leaving eggs hidden in cracks and tight spaces. Once they hatch, you have a whole new crop of bed bugs.

Re-infestation Can Occur In Certain Circumstances

With that being said, there are some rare cases of frequent re-infestation, but it needs some specific circumstances. This is because bed bugs hitchhike from one location to another. If you are living in an apartment and your neighbor is not arranging bed bug treatment in Knoxville to take care of their infestation, the bed bugs could get into the walls and enter your apartment even after you have had bed bug treatment yourself. If you are a frequent traveler, you may also find that you are bringing home bed bugs in your luggage, as hotels and motels are renowned for having bedbugs due to the transient nature of their residents coming and going all the time.

Incomplete Bed Bug Treatment

One of the most common reasons for bed bugs to remerge soon after bed bug treatment in Knoxville is that the treatment failed or was incomplete. We have already mentioned the DIY solution of vacuuming up the live bugs and how this doesn't deal with hidden eggs, but there are a few other ways that bed bug treatment in Knoxville might fail. First, the common misconception is that bed bugs only inhabit beds, so only the bed itself or the bedroom is treated. However, bedbugs will live just about anywhere, including furniture, electronics, floor coverings, underneath your wallpaper, and even in stuffed animals. Treating the entire home and all your belongings is necessary if you want to eliminate bed bugs altogether. The next reason for failed treatment is that bed bugs have developed a natural resistance to many pesticides, making them one of the trickiest pests to deal with. Some pesticides will effectively kill the live adult bed bugs but not the eggs, meaning the problem is only resolved temporarily until the new nymphs hatch. It may also require multiple applications to get the desired effect, which is why other methods of bed bug treatment in Knoxville are often preferred.

The Best Bed Bug Treatment in Knoxville

If you're looking to eliminate bed bugs and reduce the risk of their return, it's essential to choose the most effective bed bug treatment in Knoxville. At Otis Pest Control, we employ thermal heat treatment, a method that not only eradicates live bed bugs but also eliminates any present eggs. With over 47 years of experience in bed bug treatment in Knoxville, we've found this to be the most effective method for even large bed bug infestations. Using specialized equipment, we significantly raise the temperature inside your property for an extended period. Bed bugs cannot survive at temperatures over 120°F, ensuring the elimination of live bugs and their eggs. The heat can penetrate every crack and crevice, leaving bed bugs with nowhere to hide.

Effectively eliminating bed bugs requires more than just surface-level treatment. To truly eradicate these resilient pests, you need a comprehensive approach that addresses both the visible insects and the hidden eggs. At Otis Pest Control, our thermal heat treatment method has proven to be the most effective solution for bed bug treatment in Knoxville. By raising the temperature inside your property to over 120°F, we ensure that no bed bugs or their eggs survive, penetrating even the tiniest crevices where they hide. With over 47 years of experience, Otis Pest Control is your trusted partner in achieving a bed bug-free home, giving you peace of mind and a pest-free environment.

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.

Testimonials

OTIS

Emily Moeck

"I unknowingly moved into a home that had a HUGE bed bug infestation..."Don't you worry, we are on top of this until they are gone, I promise!"... Jack was knowledgeable and honest in his assessment of my house/treatment methods. Thank you, Jack and Rocky and the whole Otis team! My home is home again!"

OTIS

Joshua Weaver

"Prompt responses and appointment times. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Straight forward service without any "pushing" for extras."

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Charlotte Bishop

"These guys were super helpful and kind. Jack thoroughly explained every procedure and made what could have been a horrible situation much more bearable. I definitely recommend them!"

OTIS

Tamie Ridenour

"Excellent service and staff!! They were at my house the same day I called, for New construction pre-treatment!"

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Cathy Amos

"Highly recommend! Jack and Rocky are great! You've got a business and highest recommendation! Great people to work with!"

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112 Hayfield Road
Knoxville, TN 37922

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Location Specific Phone Numbers

  • Knoxville (serving Knox County)

    865-419-9063
  • Maryville (serving Blount County)

    865-983-8011
  • Lenoir City (serving Loudon & Monroe Counties)

    865-986-1412
  • Oak Ridge (serving Anderson, Roane, Scott, Morgan, Campbell, Union, & Cumberland Counties)

    865-482-2740
  • Sevierville (serving Sevier, Hamblen, & Cocke County)

    865-453-7540

Servicing all areas of Knoxville and surrounding counties and the Greater East TN area including Tri-Cities, Johnson City, Crossville & Chattanooga.

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