Bed Bugs

- Small reddish-brown oval bugs hiding in mattress seams and box springs - Rust-colored spots or streaks on sheets and mattress seams (fecal stains) - Itchy, clustered bites often in lines on exposed skin after sleeping - Shed skins, tiny white eggs, or live bugs in headboards and furniture joints

Whole-room heat treatment (52°C+ for 90 minutes) or targeted residual insecticide and dust application to harborage sites; canine detection for confirmation; follow-up inspection at 2 weeks. We recommend whole-room heat treatments for severe infestations or targeted residual and dust applications combined with canine detection and scheduled follow-ups; proactive inspections are advised for rental properties.

• Inspect hotel mattresses and headboards before sleeping; keep luggage off the floor.
• Launder and dry travel clothing on high heat immediately upon returning home.
• Encase mattress and box spring in certified bed-bug-proof covers.
• Reduce clutter around sleeping areas to limit harborage sites.
• Inspect used furniture and secondhand items thoroughly before bringing indoors.
• Inspect hotel mattresses and headboards when traveling and keep luggage off floors
• Launder travel clothing on high heat immediately after returning
• Use certified bed‑bug encasements on mattresses and box springs
• Inspect and clean used furniture thoroughly before bringing it into the home
• For hosts, implement routine turnover inspections and educate guests about reporting

Harborages in mattress seams, box spring folds, bed frames, headboards, and wall voids within 5–8 feet of sleeping hosts; highly cryptic and nocturnal, emerging only to feed.

Bed bugs are present year‑round in Asheville, with higher call volume from downtown short‑term rentals, multiunit buildings, and busy travel corridors like the River Arts District. They hitchhike on luggage and furniture rather than following weather patterns.