Last time I saw a bedbug, I was struck with a "how can I have a tick in the winter?" It was lighter colored than a tick, definitely not an insect.

The friends of mine that got the infestation had to dispose of their mattresses and launder all of their clothing in one go. Plus I think, they called in the bugmen.

Really hard to get rid of I guess. Not sure how you'd deal with pets and pet bedding areas.