Summer travel season is here, and so is one of America’s most underestimated pest threats: bed bugs. Modern Exterminating is proud to partner with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) this Bed Bug Awareness Week, June 7–13, 2026, to educate families on the signs of a bed bug infestation and the importance of working with a pest control professional to handle these pests.
Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to control, and the numbers prove it. According to a survey of pest control professionals conducted by NPMA in partnership with the University of Florida, 24% of professionals say they're the single hardest pest to control. And don’t let their name deceive you; bed bugs can be found in more than just your bed. These hitchhikers spread fast, and they hide everywhere. Pest professionals have found them in places you might not expect:
Vehicles: Cars, ambulances, buses, boats, RVs, feed mill trucks and big rig sleeper cabs
Public spaces: Hospital ORs, courtrooms, army bases, church sound booths, DMV waiting areas, movie theaters, libraries, gyms, summer cabins, storage units and more
Electronics: Cell phones, radios, TVs, game consoles, electrical outlets and an MRI scanner
Furniture: Wheelchairs, cabinets, TV stands, a rocking horse tail and cat towers
“Until you've seen a bed bug infestation up close, it's hard to understand just how sneaky these pests really are,” said Melanie Matthews, Co-Owner at Modern Exterminating. “The good news is that with the right information and the help of a professional, you can dramatically reduce your risk of bringing bed bugs into your home.”
After recently opening locations in Spartanburg and Elgin, Modern is working to get the word out about common pest infestations so customers can keep a look out. Modern Exterminating and NPMA are reminding consumers of the signs of a bed bug infestation:
Small, dark fecal spots on mattresses, furniture and upholstery, especially near cracks and crevices.
Molted skins, sticky white eggs or the bugs themselves.
Red, itchy welts, especially on the legs, arms and other exposed body parts.
Contact us today for a professional inspection at 803-765-2315 or visit our website at https://www.pestfreesc.com/.
About Modern Exterminating
Modern Exterminating is the longest-standing, family-owned, local and independent pest control company serving Columbia, Lexington, Spartanburg, Elgin, Aiken, and beyond. We service a 50 mile radius from downtown and have over 11,000 customers in the greater Columbia area. We’re also available for same-day service, because we understand the importance of taking care of pest problems ASAP.
As a one-stop-shop for all things pest control with a great reputation, you can trust us to handle a wide range of issues, from insects to rodents and beyond. And as a family-oriented company with a cutting-edge approach to extermination, removal, and treatment, we know you’ll be happy with the personalized service and long-lasting results you get from hiring Modern Exterminating.
To request pest control services with Modern Exterminating visit pestfreesc.com or call 803-205-2744.
Survey Methodology
The Bugs Without Borders survey gathered insights from 375 pest management professionals across the United States. Conducted in spring 2025 by the National Pest Management Association in collaboration with the University of Florida, this survey builds on previous iterations from 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018 to track how pest threats are changing over time. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@vaultcommunications.com.