Spokane is the commercial and medical hub of the Inland Northwest. People arrive from Idaho, Montana, rural Eastern Washington and out of state for treatment at hospitals, for college at Gonzaga and Whitworth, for events at the Spokane Arena and for travel through Spokane International Airport. That movement makes the city a natural crossroads for bed bugs, and cold winters do not slow them, because they live in heated buildings.
Know what you are looking for
An adult bed bug is oval, flat, mahogany-brown and about 5 millimeters long. Immature bugs are paler, and eggs are tiny and white. They hide close to where people sleep and come out at night.
- Check mattress piping, tags and the underside of the box spring.
- Inspect the bed frame, headboard and any cracks in wood furniture.
- Look behind picture frames and outlet covers.
- Watch for tiny dark spots on bedding.
How infestations start in the Spokane area
Common sources include used furniture from online marketplaces and thrift stores, visitors staying in a spare room, shared laundry rooms in older apartment buildings, and rented lodging. Multi-family housing around Gonzaga, downtown, the Perry District and the Medical District sees tenants moving in and out regularly. Because Spokane has many older apartment buildings with shared walls and aging plumbing chases, bugs can move from unit to unit. Rural and suburban homes in the Valley and on the North Side are not exempt, particularly after a stay with relatives or a trip.
What treatment involves
- Inspection: a licensed technician finds every active hiding site and determines how far the problem extends.
- Preparation: wash and dry bedding at high temperatures, reduce clutter and vacuum thoroughly, disposing of the bag in a sealed trash bag outside.
- Treatment: depending on the case, the provider uses heat, steam, residual sprays or dusts, or a combination.
- Protection: encasements on the mattress and box spring keep survivors from feeding.
- Re-inspection: follow-up visits confirm success and treat stragglers.
Cold-climate considerations
Do not leave infested bedding or furniture outside in winter, hoping the cold will kill the bugs. Bed bugs can survive cold for long periods, and temperatures need to stay below freezing for an extended time to affect them reliably. Throwing a mattress into a snowbank just risks spreading the problem and creates a mess. Instead, bag items and let the provider advise. When traveling to or from Spokane in winter, bring luggage inside and unpack on a hard floor; heavy coats and bags are as likely as suitcases to carry hitchhikers.
Smart travel and shopping habits
- Inspect hotel beds before unpacking.
- Do not accept free curbside mattresses or upholstered furniture.
- Run second-hand clothes through the dryer on high before wearing or storing.
- Report suspected bugs to your landlord in writing.
Getting help in Spokane
PestMinistry does not treat homes itself; we are a referral service. Call (844) 725-1661 and we will connect you with an independent licensed bed bug provider serving Spokane who can inspect and explain your options.
Can bed bugs be killed by freezing temperatures?
Only with sustained, sufficiently low temperatures. A cold night outside will not do it.
Why am I itchy but cannot find any bugs?
Reactions vary and other causes are possible. An inspection can confirm or rule it out.
Do I need to throw away my belongings?
Usually not. Most items can be heat-dried, steamed or treated.
Can pets get bed bugs?
Pets are not preferred hosts, but bugs may bite them if people are not available.