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Bed Bug Control in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit ranked third on Orkin's 2026 list of U.S. cities for bed bug treatments, and the housing makes it easy to see why: shared walls, a lot of renters, and steady hotel and event traffic. Eco Pest Controls connects Detroit-area homeowners and renters with independent local pest control providers. This page covers what to know before you hire anyone: warning signs, what renters can expect, how to check a provider's Michigan license, and how to prepare.
Who does the work
Eco Pest Controls is a referral service. We connect you with independent local providers. The providers, not Eco Pest Controls, perform the inspection and treatment, and we do not warrant their work. Verify any provider's license and insurance before you hire, using the checklist further down this page.
Why Detroit sees so many bed bug cases
Orkin's ranking counts its own treatments over a year (Orkin's 2026 release), so it is one company's data rather than a citywide count. It still points the same way as what you would expect from the area:
- Shared walls. Two-family flats, duplexes, townhouses and apartment buildings let bed bugs move between homes through wall voids, plumbing and hallways.
- Renters and turnover. Frequent move-ins and move-outs mean furniture and belongings change hands often, including secondhand couches and mattresses.
- Campuses. Student housing around Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy sees heavy turnover each year.
- Hotels, casinos and events. Downtown hotels and casinos, crowds at Ford Field, Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, and travelers through Detroit Metropolitan Airport all mean luggage moving in and out, which is how bed bugs hitchhike.
Signs of bed bugs
Bites alone are not reliable, because many people do not react and other insects leave similar marks. Look for rust-colored specks on mattress seams and sheets, pale shed skins, small blood spots, and live reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. Check mattress seams, the bed frame and headboard, upholstered furniture and baseboards. If you find one, seal it in a bag or tape so a provider can identify it. Our general bed bug guide has more detail.
If you rent in Detroit
According to Michigan State University Extension, Michigan law expects landlords to make a good-faith effort to provide housing free of bed bugs. Once a landlord is told about an infestation, they should promptly arrange an inspection and, if needed, treatment by a pest management professional. In multi-unit buildings, neighbors may need to be notified, and tenants are expected to cooperate with the treatment plan (MSU Extension).
- Tell your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as you suspect bed bugs, and keep copies of messages and photos.
- Avoid treating the unit yourself first. Store-bought sprays and foggers can scatter bed bugs into other rooms and units.
- Follow the preparation instructions you are given and allow access for inspections and follow-up visits.
- Read your lease. Who pays can depend on the lease and on how the infestation is traced.
This is general information, not legal advice. If there is a dispute with your landlord, ask a legal aid organization or an attorney.
How to check a bed bug provider in Michigan
Michigan requires businesses that apply pesticides for hire, including structural pest control, to hold a Pesticide Application Business License from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and to use certified applicators. MDARD also says licensed pest control businesses must carry liability insurance. Before you agree to treatment:
- Ask for the provider's MDARD business license number and check it against MDARD's list of licensed pesticide application businesses.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Get a written estimate that says what is included, how many visits to expect, and whether a follow-up inspection is covered.
- If you live in a multi-unit building, ask how the provider handles neighboring units.
- Be cautious about promises of guaranteed one-visit elimination or requests for full payment before any inspection.
What a good treatment plan includes
- Inspection. The provider confirms bed bugs and finds where they are hiding, starting with sleeping and resting areas. In a multi-unit building, adjoining units matter too.
- Preparation. You get a written checklist for laundering, bagging and clearing clutter so the provider can reach seams and baseboards.
- Treatment. The method depends on the size of the infestation and the type of building. Ask exactly what will be used and what you need to do afterward.
- Follow-up. Eggs can survive some treatments and hatch later, so a follow-up inspection should be part of the plan. One visit rarely settles a real infestation.
Preparing your Detroit home
- Wash bedding, curtains and clothing, dry them on high heat, and seal them in clean bags.
- Clear clutter around beds and couches so seams and baseboards are reachable.
- Bag items before moving them through hallways, stairwells or shared laundry rooms.
- Keep sleeping in your own bed. Moving to the couch or another room can spread bed bugs.
- Ask your provider and landlord before throwing anything out. A treatable mattress is often worth keeping, and infested items that are discarded should be bagged and marked so no one takes them.
Bed bugs in Detroit: common questions
Does Eco Pest Controls do the treatment?
No. We are a referral service that connects you with independent local providers. The provider performs the inspection and treatment, and we do not warrant their work, so check their license and insurance before you hire.
Is a license required for bed bug treatment in Michigan?
Yes. Businesses that apply pesticides for hire must hold a Pesticide Application Business License from MDARD and use certified applicators. You can check MDARD's published list of licensed businesses.
Do I have to tell my landlord?
Yes, and do it promptly and in writing. Landlords are expected to arrange an inspection and treatment once they know, and in multi-unit buildings a delay lets bed bugs spread to neighbors.
Who pays for bed bug treatment when you rent?
It depends on your lease and on how the infestation is traced. Read your lease and keep records of your messages and the dates. For a dispute, ask a legal aid organization or an attorney.
Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
Small, early problems are sometimes manageable with careful laundering and encasements, but bed bugs are hard to clear without a plan, and store-bought foggers can make things worse. In an apartment building, a professional inspection of neighboring units is usually worth it.
How long does it take?
Expect more than one visit over several weeks. Be cautious of anyone who promises a guaranteed single-visit fix.
Ask about bed bug help in Detroit
Tell us the type of home, how many units the building has, and where you have seen signs. That is enough to point you to a sensible next step.