Bedbugs in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They are found throughout the United States, including right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because they are nocturnal, they usually feed at night while people are sleeping, but they can bite during the day if they are very hungry.

With Grand Rapids’ mix of college housing, downtown apartments, hotels, and older homes, bedbug infestations can affect any neighborhood—from Heritage Hill and Eastown to Kentwood and Wyoming.

What Are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are:

  • Wingless insects, about 4–5 mm (about half a centimeter) long
  • Flat, oval-shaped, with six legs
  • Light brown, turning rust-red after feeding on blood
  • Able to survive for months without feeding
  • Most active at night

Humans are their preferred host, but they will bite other mammals if necessary.

How Bedbugs Feed

Bedbugs live exclusively on blood

Bedbugs feed only on blood. They are attracted to:

  • Body heat
  • Carbon dioxide in exhaled air
  • Human scent and presence

This is how they locate a person sleeping in a bed or resting on furniture.

Where they bite

Bedbugs commonly bite:

  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Exposed skin on the neck, back, and legs

During feeding, the bedbug’s proboscis (feeding organ) swings forward and pierces the skin. The bug injects saliva containing an anticoagulant (to keep blood flowing) and anesthetic (to reduce pain). Feeding usually takes 5–10 minutes.

What Do Bedbug Bites Look and Feel Like?

Their bite is usually painless at first

Many people do not feel the bite when it happens. Hours later, symptoms may appear. Bedbug bites can cause:

  • Itchy red bumps or welts
  • Lines or clusters of 3–5 bites (“breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern)
  • Localized swelling
  • Redness
  • Sometimes small blisters

Some people have almost no reaction, while others may develop large, very itchy welts. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Are bedbugs dangerous?

  • Bedbugs are not known to transmit blood-borne diseases to humans.
  • They can carry germs in their bodies, but disease transmission is highly unlikely.
  • The main problems are:
    • Itching and skin irritation
    • Secondary skin infections from scratching
    • Stress, anxiety, and loss of sleep

If you have a history of severe allergies or asthma, talk with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider (such as at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if you notice a strong reaction to bites.

Common Hiding Places in Grand Rapids Homes

Bedbugs are excellent at hiding in small cracks and crevices. In homes and apartments around Grand Rapids, they are often found in:

  • Mattresses, especially along seams and piping
  • Box springs and bed frames
  • Headboards and bed slats
  • Sheets, blankets, and comforters
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Upholstered furniture (couches, chairs, recliners)
  • Cracks in wooden floors or baseboards
  • Wall cracks, crevices, and screw holes
  • Behind loosened wallpaper or wall décor
  • Along carpet edges and under area rugs
  • Inside electrical outlets and light switches
  • Suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags
  • Clothing, especially if left in piles or on the floor

They are especially common in places with high turnover of residents or guests, such as:

  • Hotels and motels near downtown Grand Rapids or by the highway
  • College dorms and student housing (e.g., near GVSU, GRCC)
  • Shelters and group living environments
  • Apartment complexes and short-term rentals

Any home—clean or cluttered—can get bedbugs. However, clutter makes it harder to spot and control them.

How to Recognize a Bedbug Infestation

The first sign in many Grand Rapids households is often unexplained bites on family members. Other signs include:

  • Seeing the bugs themselves

    • Small, flat, brownish insects on mattresses, bed frames, or furniture

  • Blood stains

    • Small blood spots on sheets or pillowcases from crushed bugs

  • Dark spots

    • Rusty or dark dots of bedbug excrement on:
      • Mattresses and box springs
      • Bedding and furniture
      • Walls near the bed

  • Shed skins and eggs

    • Tiny pale shells or skins where bedbugs molt
    • Very small white eggs in seams and cracks

  • Odor

    • A strong, sweet, musty smell from scent glands in severe infestations

If you live in multi-unit housing in Grand Rapids (apartments, townhomes), it’s important to notify your landlord or property manager right away—bedbugs can spread between units.

Treating Bedbug Bites at Home

Most bedbug bites can be treated at home. To relieve symptoms:

  • Do not scratch

    • Scratching increases the risk of skin infection and scarring.

  • Wash the bites

    • Use mild antiseptic or antibacterial soap and water.
    • Pat dry gently.

  • Soothe the itch

    • Apply calamine lotion.
    • Use over-the-counter anti-itch or anesthetic creams (e.g., hydrocortisone, pramoxine) as directed.

  • Use cold therapy

    • Apply an ice pack or cold compress wrapped in a towel for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and itching.

  • Take pain or allergy medication if needed

    • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help with discomfort.
    • Oral antihistamines (like cetirizine or diphenhydramine) can reduce itching and allergic reactions.

When to see a doctor in Grand Rapids

Seek medical care from your Grand Rapids healthcare provider, urgent care, or an emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if:

  • The bite area becomes very red, warm, swollen, and painful (signs of infection).
  • You develop pus, fever, or feel generally unwell.
  • You have a history of severe allergic reactions and notice:
    • Trouble breathing
    • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
    • Dizziness or fainting

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and require immediate emergency care (call 911).

Controlling a Bedbug Infestation in Grand Rapids Homes

High standards of hygiene alone usually do not eliminate bedbugs, but cleanliness can make them easier to detect and treat early.

Step-by-step home measures

  1. Declutter carefully

    • Reduce clutter around beds and furniture so you can inspect and treat more easily.
    • Avoid moving infested items to other rooms, which can spread bedbugs.

  2. Wash and dry fabric items on high heat

    • Wash bedding, sheets, blankets, comforters, and affected clothing in hot water.
    • Dry on the hottest dryer setting for at least 30 minutes.
    • Place clean items in sealed plastic bags or clean containers.

  3. Vacuum thoroughly

    • Vacuum:
      • Mattresses (especially seams and edges)
      • Box springs and bed frames
      • Carpets and rugs
      • Baseboards and cracks
      • Upholstered furniture
    • Immediately seal and discard the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash can. For bagless vacuums, empty the canister into a sealed bag and wash the canister.

  4. Treat mattresses and furniture with heat when possible

    • If weather permits, you can:
      • Vacuum the mattress
      • Seal it in dark plastic
      • Place it in direct sunlight for several hours
    • In Michigan, this is more practical in warmer months; during cold Grand Rapids winters, professional heat treatment is usually more effective.

  5. Steam clean carpets and upholstery

    • Use a steam cleaner on:
      • Carpets
      • Area rugs
      • Upholstered furniture
      • Mattress seams
    • High heat can kill bedbugs and their eggs.

  6. Use appropriate pesticides carefully

    • Spray common hiding spots (cracks, crevices, baseboards, bed frames) with a surface pesticide specifically registered for bedbug control.
    • Always:
      • Follow the label instructions exactly.
      • Keep children and pets away until treated areas are dry.
    • Do not spray pesticides directly on bedding or clothing where skin contact is likely.

  7. Avoid vacuuming too soon after treatment

    • After professional treatment, avoid vacuuming treated areas immediately so the residual pesticide can continue to work.
    • Follow the specific instructions given by your pest control operator.

Why Professional Pest Control Is Often Needed in Grand Rapids

Bedbugs are difficult to eliminate completely without professional help, especially in multi-unit housing or severe infestations. A licensed pest control operator in Grand Rapids can:

  • Inspect your home thoroughly to determine the extent of the infestation.
  • Identify all hiding places, including those that are hard to see.
  • Use a combination of:
    • Heat treatments
    • Registered pesticides
    • Physical methods (vacuuming, encasements, traps)

Because bedbugs have a complex life cycle and eggs can survive initial treatments, repeat visits are often necessary to ensure all stages are eradicated.

If you rent in Grand Rapids, check your lease and local regulations—landlords may be responsible for arranging and paying for bedbug treatment in some situations.

Preventing Future Bedbug Problems in Grand Rapids

To reduce your risk of bringing bedbugs into your home:

  • Be cautious when traveling

    • Inspect hotel or motel beds (including in and around Grand Rapids and elsewhere) for signs of bedbugs.
    • Keep luggage off the bed and floor; use luggage racks.
    • On returning home, wash and dry travel clothing on high heat and inspect suitcases.

  • Be careful with used furniture

    • Avoid picking up furniture from curbs or unknown sources.
    • Thoroughly inspect and, if possible, treat used furniture before bringing it inside.

  • Use mattress and box spring encasements

    • Special bedbug-proof covers can help prevent infestations and make inspections easier.

  • Maintain regular cleaning

    • Frequent vacuuming and routine inspections around beds and furniture can help you catch an infestation early.

Local Grand Rapids Resources

If you suspect a bedbug infestation or have health concerns related to bites, consider:

  • Your primary care provider

    • Clinics and practices affiliated with:
      • Spectrum Health
      • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
      • Metro Health
      • Mercy Health and other local systems

  • Urgent care or emergency care

    • For severe reactions, signs of infection, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate care or call 911.

  • Public health guidance

    • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can provide information on:
      • Bedbug prevention and control
      • Tenant–landlord responsibilities
      • Local pest control referrals

  • Licensed pest control operators in Grand Rapids

    • Choose companies with experience in bedbug treatment.
    • Ask about integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that combine chemical and non-chemical methods.

Key Points About Bedbugs in Grand Rapids

  • Bedbugs commonly target exposed areas such as the shoulders and arms.
  • Their saliva contains an anticoagulant that can trigger allergic reactions and itching in some people.
  • Wash bites with antiseptic soap and avoid scratching to reduce infection risk.
  • Use calamine lotion, ice packs, and, if needed, pain relievers or antihistamines to manage symptoms.
  • Effective bedbug control usually requires:
    • Washing and drying items on high heat
    • Thorough vacuuming and steam cleaning
    • Spraying common hiding spots with bedbug-registered pesticides
    • Often, professional pest control services with follow-up visits

With prompt action and, when needed, professional help, bedbug infestations in Grand Rapids homes and apartments can be successfully controlled and prevented from recurring.