“Electric Blankets & Bed Bugs: A Winter Love Story”

Michigan’s Unparalleled Bed Bug & Pest Control — Hi-Tech Pest Control

Cold weather may chase us indoors, but it doesn’t slow bed bugs—if anything, it helps them. Movie nights on the couch, WFH on the recliner, and that toasty electric blanket all add up to more feeding opportunities. Across Livonia, Bloomfield Twp, Troy, Warren, Detroit, Sterling Heights, and Ann Arbor, winter is prime time for bed bug flare-ups.

Electric Blankets: The Bed Bug Beacon

Electric blankets don’t “cause” bed bugs, but the extra warmth makes you easier to find. Add heavier bedding and layered pajamas, and you’ve created the coziest signal a hungry bed bug could ask for.

When Winter Makes Bed Bugs Happy

We spend more time on recliners, couches, dining chairs, and beds during the cold months. Bed bugs cue to body heat and CO₂, so longer sit-times = easier meals. Populations grow, and what starts in one room can spread fast.

Why Waiting Makes It Worse

Give an infestation 2–3 months and it matures—more bites, more eggs, more rooms. Bed bugs can reach another room in about a week, especially in connected living spaces.

What You Can Do Right Now (Fast Action Plan)

  • Launder & dry on high heat: Wash at ~140°F and dry 30–60 minutes.
  • Vacuum deliberately: Mattresses, couch seams, recliners, baseboards; discard vacuum bags outdoors.
  • Declutter: Fewer hiding places = better results.

Skip scatter tactics: Random sprays and foggers push bugs deeper into walls and outlets.

Do bed bugs get worse in the winter?

Yes. Heated homes keep them active, and we spend more time seated or in bed—so they feed more often and populations rise.

Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?

DIY sprays and foggers usually scatter bugs into walls and other rooms. Professional whole-home treatment is the fastest, most reliable solution.

Do you offer same-day service in my city?

Yes. We provide same-day, discreet service across Livonia, Bloomfield Twp, Troy, Warren, Detroit, Sterling Heights, and Ann Arbor.

Professional Eradication: The Only Predictable Solution

Over-the-counter products rarely solve bed bugs—and often make them spread. Hi-Tech Pest Control delivers one-application eradication, with all furniture treated, cleaned, and salvaged, so you can sleep bite-free the very first night.

📞 Call 248-569-8001 — Same-day, discreet service across Livonia, Bloomfield Twp, Troy, Warren, Detroit, Sterling Heights & Ann Arbor.
100% Eradication Guarantee.

Does my electric blanket attract bed bugs?

Not exactly, but it amplifies body heat, which is a key cue. If bed bugs are present, the added warmth helps them locate you faster.

Will you save my furniture?

Yes. We treat, clean, and salvage couches, recliners, and mattresses. No need to throw out expensive furniture.

bed bug free furniture

Contact Us Now!

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Michigan 48152

7 W Square Lake Rd.

Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48302

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020

Troy, Michigan 48084

Hi-Tech Pest Control BBB Business Review

Sleep bite-free tonight.
📞 248-569-8001Same-day service | Furniture salvage | 100% guaranteed

Hour of Operation

8:30am – 10:00pm Monday – Sunday

Why DIY Bed Bug Removal Fails — And Why You Need a Professional Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator | Hi-Tech Pest Control

Why DIY Bed Bug Removal Fails — And Why You Need a Professional Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator | Hi-Tech Pest Control

Livonia mi Bed Bug Removal

Think You Can Solve Bed Bugs Yourself? Think Again.

Bed bug infestations are some of the most misunderstood and mishandled pest problems homeowners face. Most people assume that if bed bugs are isolated to one room—or just a mattress—they can solve the problem themselves with sprays, essential oils, or mattress covers.

But here’s the truth:
Even minor infestations are rarely just one-room problems, and the longer you wait or rely on DIY methods, the harder—and more expensive—the infestation becomes to eliminate.

At Hi-Tech Pest Control, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to explain why DIY bed bug control almost always fails, and how professional inspections and treatments are the only true solution.

Why Are Bed Bugs So Hard to Get Rid Of?

1. The First Stage Is Deceptive

When you first notice bed bugs—maybe a few bites or a bug sighting in one room—it’s natural to think:

“Okay, they’re just in this room.”

But that’s a costly assumption.
By the time you spot live bed bugs, they’ve already spread to other rooms, especially if:

  • You sleep in different rooms
  • You’ve moved laundry, pillows, or furniture
  • Guests or pets have moved through the house

The “first stage” is usually already past containment.

2. DIY Sprays and Foggers Make It Worse

Over-the-counter sprays may kill a few surface bugs—but most bed bugs hide:

  • Inside wall voids
  • Under carpet edges
  • In electrical outlets
  • In seams of furniture and mattresses

DIY products are repellent-based, which means they push bugs deeper into your home—and make professional treatment more difficult.

Foggers (“bug bombs”) are completely ineffective and dangerous indoors.

3. You Don’t See the Full Infestation

Bed bugs hide 95% of the time.
So when a homeowner sees a couple bugs, there could be hundreds or thousands lurking where you can’t look:

  • Behind baseboards
  • Inside furniture joints
  • Beneath loose wallpaper
  • Under mattress tags

Without professional inspection, you’re only treating symptoms—not the source.

4. Furniture Type and Layout Matter

Certain types of furniture provide more harborage areas for bed bugs:

  • Tufted couches and chairs
  • Platform beds and wooden frames
  • Recliners, foldouts, futons, and sectionals

That’s why the best pest control companies conduct a full inspection to determine:

  • How many beds and sofas are in the home
  • What types of furniture are present
  • How many humans are available as food sources

This information determines the scope, severity, and custom treatment plan. Hi-Tech Pest Control Operators can solve them all.

5. There Are Levels of Infestation

Most people don’t know there are levels of bed bug infestations:

Stage

Description

Beginning Stage

Hard to detect, low activity, high potential to spread. Usually misdiagnosed or ignored.

Unhealthy Stage

High population, multiple rooms involved, severe bite reactions, property damage, and sleep disruption.

By the time most homeowners realize they have an infestation, they’re in the unhealthy stage—and DIY won’t work.

Why Professionals Like Hi-Tech Pest Control Succeed

✔️ 40+ Years of Bed Bug Experience
✔️ One-Treatment Success Rate
✔️ Advanced Inspection Techniques
✔️ Void and Furniture Crack Treatments
✔️ Non-Repellent Dusts, Residuals & Void Applications
✔️ Guaranteed Eradication – 100%

We don’t just spray—we strategize, inspect, monitor, and apply proven science-based methods to eliminate bed bugs where they live and hide.

📞 Call Hi-Tech Pest Control – Get It Done Right the First Time

If you’re in Michigan and dealing with bed bugs in Ferndale, Livonia, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy, West Bloomfield, or nearby—you need Hi-Tech Pest Control on your side.

📞 (248) 569-8001
🌐 www.hi-techpestcontrol.com

Don’t waste time or money on DIY. We solve what others can’t—with one treatment, guaranteed.

FAQ – DIY Bed Bug Control vs. Professional Treatment

Q: I’ve only seen a couple bugs—can I treat it myself?
A: Bed bugs hide well. Seeing a few usually means many more are present. DIY may suppress them temporarily, but it rarely eliminates them.

Q: What’s the danger of doing it myself?
A: Repellent sprays can scatter bugs into walls and furniture, making the infestation worse and harder to treat later.

Q: Can I use foggers or bombs?
A: No. Bed bug foggers are ineffective and often dangerous indoors. Professionals never use them.

Q: Why does furniture type matter?
A: Some furniture has deep seams, hollow legs, or tight fabric folds where bed bugs can hide. These need specialized treatments.

Q: Do you inspect everything before treating?
A: Yes. We inspect all rooms, furniture, and sleeping areas to understand the infestation’s true scale and tailor the treatment plan.

Can I Remove Bed Bugs from My Clothes, Bedding, and Pillows Without Throwing Them Away?

                     Bed Bug Removal

Short answer: Yes—if done correctly.

At Hi-Tech Pest Control, one of the most common questions we hear from Michigan homeowners is:
“Do I have to throw away all my clothes, bedding, and pillows if I have bed bugs?”

Fortunately, the answer is no. You can safely remove bed bugs from fabric items with proper laundering techniques. However, you must follow the correct process to avoid spreading the infestation or allowing bed bugs to survive.

Let’s break it down.

🔥 The Right Way to Remove Bed Bugs from Clothes, Bed Linens, and Pillows

1. Wash Items at High Temperatures

  • Use your washer’s hottest water setting (at least 120°F or 49°C)

  • Bed bugs and their eggs die at sustained high heat

  • Add detergent and run a full wash cycle

2. High-Heat Drying Is Critical

  • After washing, immediately transfer items to the dryer on the highest heat setting

  • Dry for at least 30–60 minutes

  • This step is essential to kill any surviving bugs or eggs

💡 Do not rely on drying alone. Washing removes dirt and residue that could insulate bugs or eggs. Always wash first, then dry.


❌ What Not to Do:

  • Don’t air-dry infested fabrics

  • Don’t use cold or warm water

  • Don’t toss items into the dryer without washing first

  • Don’t assume low heat will kill eggs—it won’t


🧺 What Items Can Be Treated This Way?

  • Pajamas, socks, underwear

  • Bed sheets, pillowcases, comforters

  • Pillows (check tag for heat-safe instructions)

  • Towels, blankets, and mattress covers

  • Light clothing, jackets, soft toys

Pro Tip: Bag items in sealed plastic bags before transporting to laundry to avoid spreading bugs through the home.


🚫 When Should You Discard Items?

While most fabrics can be saved, some items may need to be thrown out:

  • Non-washable or dry-clean-only fabrics (unless heat-treated)

  • Items that have tears or are too fragile for hot washing

  • Pillows or cushions with holes where bugs may hide deep inside

When in doubt, consult a licensed pest control technician.


📍 Bed Bug Fabric Treatment – Summary

Fabric Type Action
Clothes Wash & dry on high heat
Bedding Wash & dry on high heat
Pillows Wash if allowed, dry on high
Dry-clean items Professional heat treatment
Fragile fabrics Discard or seek expert advice

🛑 Why DIY Laundry Isn’t Enough Without Treatment

Even if you successfully clean your linens, bed bugs hide in wall voids, baseboards, outlets, and furniture. Washing your clothing and bedding is just one part of the solution. For true bed bug eradication, you need:

✔️ Professional chemical & dust treatment
✔️ Crack & crevice applications
✔️ Void dusting
✔️ Monitoring & prevention guidance

Hi-Tech Pest Control offers one-treatment, 100% guaranteed bed bug eradication for homes, apartments, motels, and more.


🧠 FAQ – Bed Bugs and Clothing

Q: Can bed bugs survive a cold wash and air drying?
A: Yes. Cold water and air drying will not kill bed bugs or their eggs.

Q: How hot does the water need to be to kill bed bugs?
A: At least 120°F (49°C) or higher is required for full effectiveness.

Q: Will a dryer alone kill bed bugs?
A: Possibly, but not reliably. Always wash and dry. Drying without washing is not recommended.

Q: Do I need to throw out my clothes if I have bed bugs?
A: No. In most cases, clothing and bedding can be treated effectively with proper laundering.

Q: How do I transport infested laundry safely?
A: Seal it in trash bags or zippered plastic bags until you’re ready to wash. Do not carry loose laundry through the house.


📞 Need Help With a Bed Bug Infestation?

Hi-Tech Pest Control is Michigan’s #1 bed bug exterminator, trusted for safe, effective, and discreet treatments across Metro Detroit.

✅ One-treatment success
✅ Safe for children and pets
✅ Serving homes, apartments, hotels & more

📍 Serving: Ferndale, Troy, Livonia, Southfield, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield & surrounding cities

📲 Call now: (248) 569-8001
🌐 hi-techpestcontrol.com
🛏️ Don’t throw everything away—let us help you save it.


Call Us