Bed bugs are common household pests that have troubled homeowners and travelers for centuries, including those in Fort Lauderdale, FL. But where do these insects originate, and how do they infest our homes?
These small, reddish-brown insects infest furniture, bedding, and other household items. Eradicating them can be an incredibly challenging task. Understanding how they enter our homes is essential to taking necessary preventative measures.
In this article, we’ll explore several aspects of bed bugs. This includes their characteristics, what attracts them, methods for detection, control measures, and professional solutions for handling an infestation.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects. Prior to feeding, they measure about 1/4 inch in length, comparable in size and shape to a small apple seed.
During the day, they conceal themselves in bed frames, box springs, mattress seams, and headboards. They exhibit nocturnal activity, with an inability to fly or jump, but display rapid movement.
How Do Bed Bugs Enter Homes?
Firstly, bed bugs are not indicative of a lack of cleanliness. They can infest any home or business in areas such as Fort Lauderdale, FL, regardless of cleanliness.
They often travel on clothing and luggage from infested locations. Additionally, they can move between units in multi-unit structures such as hotels, apartments, and dormitories.
Contrary to common belief, bed bugs are not exclusive to dirty places. While clutter may provide more hiding spots, any place can become infested.
Bed bugs do not spontaneously appear, nor do they travel from nearby locations. Typically, humans unknowingly bring them onto the property. Essentially, they hitchhike from place to place by attaching themselves to clothes, hair, skin, and even animal fur.
Common Areas Bed Bugs Come From
Let’s examine three typical sources of bed bugs:
1. Traveling
Bed bugs excel at staying hidden when they travel, and Fort Lauderdale, FL is no exception. They attach themselves to bags, suitcases, shoes, and other items, and spread wherever people bring them.
Both domestic and international travel commonly bring infestations. High-turnover establishments like motels, hotels, and Airbnb’s are prime locations for picking up these pests.
- Learn more about avoiding bed bugs during travel with our handy blog “How To Prevent Bed Bugs At Home And During Travel.”
Acquiring secondhand furniture is another cause of infestation. Carefully inspect any furniture for bed bugs or their eggs before purchase.
3. Public Places
Schools, colleges, daycare facilities, and other public areas can also spread bed bugs. They can readily transfer through clothing and cloth materials.
What Are Bed Bugs Attracted to?
Body heat, carbon dioxide, and histamine from other bed bugs primarily attract bed bugs.
Research shows that bed bugs may be completely blind, relying on smell to locate humans. They are most active at night and prefer places where people sleep to feed on blood. Adapting to human sleep patterns, they can also use the chemical histamine to attract others of their kind.
Other Common Attractions:
- Dirty Laundry. Keep laundry off the floor to deter bed bugs.
- Heat Source. Bed bugs can detect body heat.
- Dark Bed Sheets. Dark sheets allow bed bugs to camouflage.
Where Can You Find Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs can hide almost anywhere, including mattresses, cracks, crevices, furniture, and even electrical outlets.
How Do I Know If I Have a Bed Bug Problem?
To determine if you have an infestation, look for signs such as spots on mattresses, tiny eggs, or visible bed bugs.
- Check out our blog “How To Check For Bed Bugs” to learn more about where bed bugs like to hide and steps you can take to find them. Alternatively, you can reach out to On Demand Pest Control for a free inspection!
Get Help From On Demand Pest Control
Dealing with bed bugs can be a stressful and challenging experience. This is especially true in the unique environment found in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and surrounding areas. Bed bugs can infiltrate homes, hotels, and various types of furniture, posing a significant nuisance to your comfort and well-being. Whether you’re facing an active infestation or want to implement preventive measures, acting promptly is essential.
At On Demand Pest Control, we understand the complexities of handling bed bugs. Our expertise extends to various Florida locations, including Pembroke Pines, FL, Hollywood, FL, Naples, FL, Ft. Myers, FL, and surrounding areas. Our seasoned team of professionals equips themselves with state-of-the-art techniques. Their local expertise ensures a bed bug-free environment.
Prevent bed bugs from interfering with your personal life or business operations. Allow us to handle your pest problems, providing peace of mind and protecting your valuable property. With offices conveniently located throughout the state, we’re here to offer the efficient, top-notch service you deserve.
Contact On Demand Pest Control today to schedule your appointment. Make a positive move towards a secure and comfortable home or business. Please request a free quote below.
