Thanks to the humid weather all year round in Florida, residents are no strangers to bed bug infestations. Unfortunately, most homeowners fail to detect bed bugs inside their homes until it’s too late. Don’t fret; the McDonald Pest Control team prepared this guide for you to know how to prevent and control a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are tiny, brown hitch-hiking insects that feed on human and animal blood for their survival. In their adult stage, bed bugs are about ¼ inch long. Unlike fleas, these insects don’t fly but can crawl over various surfaces at quick speeds. Bed bug eggs take a week to hatch and a month to mature under favorable conditions.
Due to their resilience, bed bugs can go for months without feeding, which is why vacating an infested house temporarily to ‘starve’ these critters won’t work. Bed bugs are nocturnal, so they feed at night when their hosts are asleep. They are known to latch onto bedding, hence their name. Other hiding spots include suitcases and headboards.
The short answer is everyone. All fifty states in the US have encountered bed bug infestations in the past. According to the 2018 Bugs without Borders Survey, respondents mentioned suffering infestations in schools, apartments, hospitals, hotels, and condos.
Understanding bed bug habits and characteristics can help with early detection and treatment. Below are the common signs of a bed bug infestation.
While bed bug bites are painless, they are incredibly itchy and irritating. Look for red spots on your arms and legs. Usually, the marks appear in clusters or straight lines.
While these tiny critters are intelligent enough to hide during the day, it’s possible to spot them if you know where to look. Check your bedding, headboard, and box springs. If you notice flat, reddish-brown wingless insects, the best thing to do is call a pest control service immediately.
Another sign of a bed bug problem is blood stains on sheets and pillows. Since bed bugs feed when their host is asleep, it’s possible to crush some of them as you switch your sleeping position. If you also notice black or brownish droppings on walls, then there’s a high chance that you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation.
While there’s no evidence that bed bugs can lead to life-threatening illnesses, any sign of an infestation should worry you. Note that, during their lifetime, adult female bed bugs lay up to 500 eggs. Also, their average lifespan is two years. Let’s not forget that these insects can survive for close to 400 days without feeding.
It’s also possible to experience an allergic reaction from a bed bug bite. Though rare, bed bug bites can lead to infections such as impetigo and lymphangitis. A bed bug infestation also has particular mental health consequences. There have been reports of anxiety and systemic reactions.
First, to avoid dealing with a bed bug infestation, you should take these precautions.
Despite taking these measures, it’s still possible to have a bed bug problem on your hands. So what do you do when this happens? To permanently deal with a bed bug infestation, it would be best to bring out the big guns. Work with a professional pest control company that has the knowledge and experience to deal with the root cause of your bed bug problem.
To eliminate bed bugs from your property McDonald Pest Control applies bed bug heat treatment. Our team will bring in special equipment that will raise your home’s temperature to 48o C (118o F). Once introduced, the team ensures your room stays at this temperature for 90 minutes to kill both bed bugs and their eggs.
Usually, treatment takes about six to eight hours, depending on the area that is receiving heat treatment. Before the treatment, we’ll advise you on how to prepare your home before the process. Usually, we’ll recommend that you store away items that could melt, clear all clutter, and take your pets with you.
To enjoy a pest-free holiday season, you should reach out to McDonald Pest Control. Not only do we offer bed bug treatment services, but we also provide other complementary services such as EPA-registered pesticide treatment. Make use of our special offers and coupons to save money. To request a quote, call us at (727) 734-0963 today!
