Experts Say Bed Bugs On The Rise In Houston

HOUSTON - Soon after they moved into their southwest side apartment Nika Thorne and her family started noticing the bite marks.

"We went on the internet and we started doing some research," Thorne said. "And that's when we found out that's what we're dealing with bed bugs."

And the bed bugs, Thorne said are taking over.

"They are coming out of the carpet. They are coming out of the walls."

Thorne captured some of the little pests in a medicine bottle.

"I've thrown out couches I've thrown out beds out of my girls' room," Thorne said.

Thorne said her apartment was infested with bed bugs before she moved in but the apartment manager accuses Thorne of bringing the bed bugs with her.

While they point fingers at each other, Thorne's children sleep on the floor.

So does Sarahi Lopez who lives in the apartment below.

"I felt something that bit me and I hit it and it started running away," Lopez said.

Bed bugs are getting so bad here some pest control experts fear Houston could end up being as infested as New York City.

"People that I've had at my house have took it with them you know by being over here it's ridiculous," Thorne said.

Pest control experts tell FOX 26 this isn't a problem like fleas that you can get rid of yourself. If you've got a bed bug problem you need to call a trained professional.