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BUFFALO-AREA HOMEOWNER GUIDE

Bed bugs:
start with a plan.

Get the insect identified before making treatment decisions. Cornell recommends a licensed professional when possible, with an inspection and a plan that combines several methods rather than relying on one treatment.

What to document

  • Record the rooms and furniture where you have seen suspected insects.
  • Take a clear photograph or ask the inspector how to preserve a sample.
  • Tell the professional about recent travel or secondhand furniture.

A sensible first step

Ask for an inspection and written preparation instructions. Avoid moving furniture between rooms while you are working out the extent of the problem.

Questions worth asking

  1. How will you confirm that these are bed bugs?
  2. What preparation is required, and can it be adapted to my household?
  3. How many visits are included, and how is progress checked?

Further reading: Cornell: managing bed bugs. Sources checked September 29, 2026. This guide supports a conversation with a qualified professional; it is not an identification or treatment diagnosis.