Buying a home is the most expensive investment most people will ever make. But what happens when that investment comes with a secret, crawling secondary tenant? In a recent case, a family purchased a home only to discover a massive bed bug infestation shortly after moving in. Looking back, there was one major red flag they missed: the previous owners weren’t actually living in the house—they were living in a camper in the front yard.
Spotting the Red Flags
While the sellers didn’t disclose the issue, the signs were there. If a seller is avoiding their own home despite no ongoing renovations, it’s a sign that something is wrong. In this case, the infestation was so advanced that bed bug spotting was visible in the top corners of the ceilings. As Travis McGowin points out in this episode of the Peskies Pest Control Podcast, if you see owners living in a trailer on-site, it’s a massive red flag that they may be trying to escape an infestation they’ve already likely spread to the camper itself.
The Cost of "Cheap" Bed Bug Treatments
Desperate for a fix, these homeowners initially hired a technician who charged nearly $1,000 for a liquid treatment. The technician claimed a warranty wasn’t necessary because the spray would “solve the problem”—it didn’t. This is what we call suspicious. If you go with a non-reputable company on an inspection or a treatment, you often end up paying double later to actually fix the mess. In the world of pest control, it’s always better to “buy once, cry once”.
Why Bed Bug Heat Treatment is the Ultimate Solution
We tackled this infestation using professional heat treatment. Unlike sprays that bed bugs can hide from, heat penetrates the entire structure from floor to ceiling. When you “put the fire to their feet,” they are forced out of the woodwork and eliminated.
Our specialized process includes:
A True Partnership: We provide a full list of prep instructions, like laundering linens on high heat, because we work as a team with the homeowner.
High-Intensity Heat: We use propane heaters and mylar ductwork to raise the temperature above 140°F.
The “Baked Potato” Effect: The heat is so thorough that the house stays warm long after we leave.
A Real Guarantee: We provide a 90-day warranty because we stand behind our work.
Don't Skip the Pest Inspection
A standard home inspection or “wood destroying organism” report often focuses on termites, but a dedicated pest expert can sniff out bed bugs even in an empty house. Paying $300 to $600 for a thorough inspection upfront is a small price to pay to protect your most expensive investment. Before you hire a company, do your research. Check their online reviews, ask about their warranty, and remember our motto: “You’ll be 100% happy, or you won’t pay a penny”.
Do you suspect your new home has unwanted guests? Contact us today at (334) 595-9055 for a thorough inspection and find out how our heat treatment can give you peace of mind.
