Mar 20, 2026 | Bed Bug, Florida Blogs, Georgia Blogs, Tennessee Blogs
A recent bed bug outbreak in the Southeast has made headlines, as cases continue to rise across states like Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. Reports show infestations appearing in homes, apartments, hotels, and even public spaces—putting homeowners on high alert.
For many families, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a stressful and disruptive experience. Bed bugs spread quickly, hide extremely well, and can be difficult to eliminate without the right approach. What often starts as a few bites can escalate into a full infestation in a matter of weeks.
If you’re noticing signs—or even just concerned after travel—understanding what’s happening and acting early can make all the difference.
Why Are Bed Bugs Increasing in the Southeast?
Bed bugs often spread by hitchhiking in luggage, making travel one of the most common ways infestations start.
Luggage is one of the most common ways bed bugs spread. There isn’t a single cause behind the rise in infestations; it’s a combination of environmental and behavioral factors.
Increased Travel and Mobility
With more people traveling for vacations, work, and events, bed bugs are spreading faster than ever. They don’t fly but they are excellent hitchhikers. Luggage, clothing, and even backpacks can carry them from one location to another.
This is a major reason why searches for bed bugs near me have increased significantly in recent months.
Warm Climate Conditions
The Southeast United States provides an ideal environment for bed bugs to thrive. Warmer temperatures allow them to reproduce more quickly, accelerating the bed bug lifecycle and increasing infestation rates.
Urban Living and Shared Spaces
In cities and densely populated areas, bed bugs can easily move between units. Apartments, condos, and hotels are particularly vulnerable. This is why we’re seeing increased reports of bed bugs in Florida and bed bugs in Tennessee, in both residential and commercial settings.
Resistance to Over-the-Counter Treatments
Many homeowners attempt DIY solutions first but bed bugs have developed resistance to many common products. This often leads to partial treatment, allowing infestations to rebound stronger.
How to Identify a Bed Bug Infestation
If you notice bites along with bugs or spotting on your mattress, you may be dealing with a bed bug infestation.
If you notice bites along with bugs or spotting on your mattress, you may be dealing with a bed bug infestation.
Early detection is key. The sooner you recognize the signs, the easier it is to control the problem.
Here’s what to look for:
- Red, itchy bites (often in clusters or lines)
- Small blood stains on sheets or pillowcases
- Dark spots (droppings) on mattresses or furniture
- Shed skins or eggshells in cracks and seams
- Musty odor in more severe infestations
Bed bugs typically hide during the day in mattress seams, bed frames, baseboards, and upholstered furniture. A proper bed bug inspection often requires checking areas most homeowners wouldn’t think to look.
How Fast Do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs don’t stay in one place—they spread rapidly through furniture, rooms, and personal belongings.One of the biggest misconceptions is that bed bugs spread slowly. In reality, they multiply rapidly.
A single female can lay hundreds of eggs, and under ideal conditions, populations can grow significantly within weeks.
Bed bugs spread by:
- Moving through walls and electrical outlets
- Attaching to clothing, luggage, and furniture
- Traveling between rooms and units
Bed bugs can quickly spread between beds, furniture, and luggage — turning a small issue into a widespread infestation.
This is why early detection is critical. Waiting too long can turn a manageable issue into a widespread infestation.
Why DIY Bed Bug Removal Often Fails
It’s completely understandable — most homeowners want to try solving the problem themselves first. But bed bugs are one of the toughest pests to eliminate without professional help.
Common reasons DIY methods fail:
- Incomplete coverage (missing hidden areas)
- Surviving eggs that hatch later
- Improper application of products
- Resistance to store-bought chemicals
Even when it seems like the problem is gone, infestations often return — leading to frustration and higher long-term costs.
Professional Bed Bug Treatment in the Southeast
Northwest Exterminating technicians provide professional bed bug treatment with trusted, local expertise.When it comes to bed bugs, professional treatment isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary.
A trusted bed bug exterminator will follow a structured inspection process to identify all affected areas and determine the best treatment plan.
Northwest Exterminating technicians provide professional bed bug treatment with trusted, local expertise.
What professional treatment includes:
- Thorough inspection of all hiding spots
- Heat treatments that eliminate all life stages
- Targeted chemical treatment when needed
- Follow-up visits to ensure full eradication
Why Homeowners Choose Northwest Exterminating
At Northwest Exterminating, our professional pest control technicians bring over 75 years of experience handling pest infestations across the Southeast.
We’ve worked with:
- Single-family homes
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and hospitality properties
- Other commercial spaces
Our team is trained to identify infestations quickly and apply family-friendly, effective treatments tailored to your home and situation.
As a leader in residential pest control, Northwest combines local expertise with proven treatment methods, helping homeowners regain peace of mind fast.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs (Practical Tips)
Simple travel habits like inspecting beds and using luggage racks can significantly reduce the risk of bed bugs.
While no method is 100% foolproof, there are ways to significantly reduce your risk.
Travel Smart
- Inspect hotel mattresses and headboards
- Keep luggage elevated off the floor
- Wash and dry clothes on high heat after returning
At Home
- Regularly inspect bedding and furniture
- Vacuum frequently, especially around sleeping areas
- Reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide
Be Cautious with Furniture
Avoid bringing in secondhand furniture without inspecting it carefully.
Real-World Insight: What We’re Seeing Locally
Serving Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, Northwest Exterminating is helping homeowners respond to the growing bed bug outbreak across the Southeast.
In recent months, our team has seen an increase in bed bug calls across Georgia and surrounding areas, particularly after travel-heavy seasons.
Many homeowners we work with initially thought they were dealing with mosquito bites or minor skin irritation. By the time they realized it was bed bugs, the infestation had already spread.
FAQ: Bed Bugs in the Southeast
Are bed bugs common in the Southeast?
Yes, especially in warmer climates with high travel activity. Cities in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee are seeing increased reports.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Look for bites, stains, droppings, and visible bugs. A professional inspection is the most reliable way to confirm.
Can bed bugs spread from house to house?
Yes, especially in apartments or shared housing environments.
What is the fastest way to get rid of bed bugs?
Professional bed bug removal service is the fastest and most effective solution.
When should I call an exterminator?
As soon as you notice signs. Early treatment prevents larger infestations.
Bed bugs are on the rise across the Southeast and they’re not going away anytime soon. The combination of travel, climate, and population density is creating the perfect environment for infestations to spread. The key is acting early.
If you suspect bed bugs, don’t wait. A professional inspection can save you time, money, and stress — and help you avoid a much larger problem.
Concerned you have bed bugs? We’re here to help. Schedule a free bed bug inspection with Northwest Exterminating today.
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Mar 13, 2026 | Company News, Good Deed Team
Northwest Exterminating teammates spent National Random Acts of Kindness Day volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Two dozen teammates arrived bright and early at the Hunger Action Center on February 17 with one goal in mind: make a meaningful impact. By the end of the shift, they had packed enough food to provide nearly 15,000 meals for low-income families across Metro Atlanta.
Inside the warehouse, teammates were split into groups and assigned different tasks. Some checked expiration dates, others sorted donated items, while another team built and broke down boxes to keep the lines moving efficiently. Every box packed represented a family that could go to bed with full bellies and peace of mind. The energy in the room was contagious, teammates kept smiles on their faces as they worked with focus and determination.
The day was a true reflection of what it means to live out our Service Standard: Serve with a Servant’s Heart. At Northwest, that means putting others first and showing that we truly care by stepping in wherever there is a need. Whether protecting a customer’s home or packing food in a warehouse, Northwest teammates lead with compassion and a genuine desire to help. Moments like this are powerful examples of what it means to live the Northwest Way. Serving with Heart means giving time and talent generously and caring deeply about the communities we serve. Teammates show up not because they have to, but because they want to.
Above all, teammates walked away feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve. Giving back to families in need wasn’t just an act of kindness, it was a privilege. There was a shared sense of appreciation for the chance to step outside of daily responsibilities and make a difference in someone else’s life.
Random Acts of Kindness Day holds a special place in the Northwest Family of Brands. Teammates recognize the national day each February and celebrate the company-wide Act of Kindness Day in May. Both occasions create intentional opportunities for teammates across the Southeast to uplift one another. Acts of kindness may range from holding the door open or buying lunch for a teammate to organizing larger service projects like this one but no matter the size, the message is clear: teammates are valued, appreciated, and committed to making a difference. Opportunities like this remind us that when we live out our Service Standard, the difference isn’t just felt in the community; it’s felt in the heart of our Northwest family as well.
Mar 4, 2026 | Company News
Earning an award takes hard work. Earning it twice takes something deeper – a culture built on consistency, pride, and a genuine commitment to extraordinary service.
The Cullman Service Center has been named Quality Assurance Team of the Year for the second time, and their 2025 results make it clear this recognition is no coincidence. With a QA average exceeding 99 percent and an NPS score of 98, the Cullman team has set a standard that speaks for itself.
Leadership That Sets the Tone
Every high-performing team has a foundation, and at Cullman, that foundation is leadership.
Service Center Manager Zac, Office Manager Chasity, and Supervisor Josh Bell operate as a unified leadership team – one defined by clarity, consistency, and shared high expectations. There is no ambiguity about what extraordinary looks like here. Standards are clearly communicated, accountability is consistent, and the focus never strays from one priority: being extraordinary for the customer at every service appointment.
When leadership is aligned and purposeful, that energy flows throughout the entire team. At Cullman, it does.
Preparation as a Competitive Advantage
A 99 percent QA average does not emerge from good intentions alone. It is the result of deliberate preparation and disciplined execution.
The Cullman team plans each month before it begins. That proactive approach keeps everyone organized, aligned, and ready to perform at a high level regardless of what the day brings. Communication is one of their greatest strengths – teammates stay connected, expectations are reinforced, and nothing important falls through the cracks.
This kind of preparation creates consistency. And consistency, sustained over time, is what separates teams that occasionally perform well from teams that reliably excel.
A Culture Built on Pride
The Cullman team brings something you can’t measure on a checklist: a true sense of pride in their craft and in what Northwest stands for.
As Service Center Manager Zachery Freeman puts it, “This award is all about our teammates. They take great pride in doing all the little things right. They go above and beyond what is asked of them. I am thankful to just be a small part of such an amazing team.”
For Cullman, every service appointment is more than a task; it’s a chance to embody a brand built on trust, defined by quality, and grounded in service. That perspective influences how they care for customers, support one another, and tackle every challenge along the way.
A 98 NPS score sums it up best. Customers don’t just trust the Cullman team—they root for them.
Investing in People, Not Just Performance
What elevates this accomplishment beyond a single year of strong results is the long-term investment the Cullman team makes in its people.
Leadership development is not an afterthought here—it is a priority. Teammates are coached, supported, and given real opportunities to grow within the organization. The goal is not only to maintain a high-performing team today, but to build the leaders who will carry that standard forward.
That commitment to development, rooted in humility and a genuine desire to serve well, is why this team will continue to produce results—and promote leaders—long into the future.
A Servant’s Heart at the Core
If one value defines the Cullman Service Center, it’s Service Standard #11: Servant’s Heart.
As Regional Manager James Nelson shares, “The Cullman team lives out what it means to have a servant’s heart. They put others first, and you can see it in the way they approach every call and care for each other. That spirit defines their success and inspires everyone around them.”
Serving with intention. Leading with strength. Caring deeply for customers and teammates alike. For the Cullman team, these aren’t just words—they’re actions. Every service call, every interaction, every day.
A Standard Worth Celebrating
Earning the Quality Assurance Team of the Year is an achievement. Earning it twice is proof of something lasting – a culture that does not rely on short-term motivation, but on deeply held values and a shared belief that being extraordinary is the expectation, not the exception.
Congratulations to the entire Cullman Service Center team. Your leadership, effort, and commitment to the extraordinary continue to raise the bar for what is possible.
Feb 23, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
Teammates from both Northwest Exterminating and Bug House Pest Control came together to prove that a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of care, can go a long way in making a difference.
A 30-day competition between the two teams raised a total of almost 2,300 non-perishable food items. Bug House ultimately claimed the victory with 1,237 cans of food collected and donated, slightly edging out Northwest’s impressive 1,029. What’s the prize for the winning team you ask? An ice cream party hosted by the other team. But when you ask both teams, they’ve shared the same answer – the opportunity to give back and help the families who live in the communities where they each live and work is the real victory.
The food collection was donated to The Grace House Community Food Bank in Fort Valley, GA.
The idea was sparked by Katie Hall, Northwest’s Macon Office Manager, and Ryan Reeves, Bug House’s Macon Service Professional,
and the effort is deeply personal, “The community has supported me and my family in so many ways, and this food drive is my chance to pay that kindness forward and help others the way they’ve helped me,” said Ryan.
For Katie, giving back isn’t just about donating food; it’s about passing on the value of service and compassion to the next generation. “It’s a way to teach my son how to be a helper, and how to make a positive impact on our community,” said Katie. “It’s about leaving something better than how you found it.”
Having the opportunity for both teams to come together to support the community they love is what our culture is all about. As we grow, we’re granted even more opportunity to give back and make a difference for the people, organizations, and communities around us, and what a gift that is.
This friendly food drive competition is just one example of how teammates live out our culture of working together, uplifting our communities, and spreading kindness. How are you coming together this year to make a difference?
Feb 5, 2026 | Company News
Diana Adams, executive assistant to the co-presidents, has been named a Rollins Inclusion Champion Award recipient for her dedication to creating a workplace rooted in inclusion, recognition, and belonging. Diana’s recognition is also a powerful reflection of what it means to live the Northwest Way each and every day.
Each year, members of the Workplace Inclusion Advisory Council select one Inclusion Champion from their respective divisions or brands. Randy Wilhite, vice president of business development and a member of the council nominated Diana for this esteemed internal honor. Randy shared that her servant-hearted leadership and unwavering commitment to others made her a standout candidate. “Diana volunteers at multiple events, many times serving after office hours, and her dedication to making teammates with different interests feel welcomed and valued set her apart,” said Wilhite.
While Diana was genuinely surprised by the recognition, those who work alongside her at Northwest Exterminating’s Team Support Center were not. Diana has a natural way of making people feel seen and appreciated. You can often tell when someone has crossed paths with her; she leaves smiles in her wake. Whether she’s stopping by to say hello, checking in on a teammate’s weekend, or taking the time to truly listen, her genuine care for others is unmistakable. She’s even known to pop into a room just to share a joke and whether it’s good or delightfully bad, it’s guaranteed to brighten the day. “We are so grateful for all Diana does for us in front and behind the scenes! She has a customers first mindset and truly cares for everyone around her.” said Jeff Dunn, co-president of Northwest Exterminating. “We are fortunate to have someone who genuinely starts and ends her day asking how she can make a difference for the people around her. She deserves this recognition and more.”
Diana’s upbeat attitude is the epitome of starting each day with intentional optimism and finding the extraordinary in every situation. Diana helps create a culture where teammates feel like family. She exemplifies Northwest values through her everyday actions that make a meaningful and lasting impact.
The Workplace Inclusion Program is organized around three pillars of the Rollins Way of inclusion-centered behaviors that reflect excellence, empathy, and teamwork. The Inclusion Champion Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate heroic impact, essential togetherness, and a commitment to being remarkable, values that closely align with the Northwest Way of doing what is right, being humble and being extraordinary.
Congratulations to Diana Adams on this well-deserved honor. Her actions remind us that inclusion isn’t just a value; it’s something we live out every day through how we show up for one another.
