Are bed bugs ever really gone?

by Pat
(Washington State)

I have heard people say that no matter what lengths a person goes to, they will never get completely rid of bedbugs. Is this true? My neighbor has had them for 3 months, has had an exterminator come in and spray five times, has gotten rid of most of her furniture and after all this and no sighting for two weeks just found another live one. So far it is only one, but she is so afraid that getting rid of them will never happen. We would like to know if it is true that they will never be gone?

Editor Response

Hi Pat,

It's not true. Bed bugs can be eliminated, but it usually takes several treatments over several weeks, because eggs hatch in about 1 to 2 weeks and many bed bugs resist common sprays. Finding one live bug after two quiet weeks means treatment should continue, not that it's hopeless. Researchers don't consider an apartment clear until no bed bugs have been caught for about 8 weeks, and the EPA advises continuing to check for at least a year. Your neighbor should tell the company about the new bug, ask about follow-up visits, and put interceptor cups under the bed legs to track progress. Getting rid of furniture usually isn't necessary and can spread bugs if items aren't wrapped and marked. In an apartment building, the units next to, above and below hers should be inspected too, or bugs can keep coming back. See our guide on how to get rid of bed bugs.