Bed Bug Infestation? Don’t Try to Tackle Them Alone

The good news about the resurgence of the bed bug in Florida is that these pests don’t carry disease to humans. The bad news is that most people don’t know they have them until they start getting bitten.

While many still believe the bed bug, technically known as Cimex lectularius, belongs to a bygone era, it’s back in this country a big way. Probably due to increased international travel, bed bugs now hitchhike here from far flung locales on traveler’s clothes and luggage, and infestations may be found anywhere.

In addition to annoying bites, bed bug infestations may be identified by inspecting sheets for signs such as tiny dark spots from bug excrement or red spots where bugs have been crushed. White, 1mm eggshells about the size of a grain of rice are another indicator. A sharp eye may even spot live bugs themselves.

Preventing a bed bug infestation is problematic because of the resilience of these pests. Travelers should place luggage on luggage racks in hotels rather than on the floor. Inspect the mattress and headboard for signs of bedbugs before retiring. Upon return home, transfer clothes directly from luggage into the washer.

If you see signs of infestations, a few DIY methods may provide some limited benefit before getting professional advice:

• Because bed bugs usually survive the washing machine, dry washed bedding and clothing in the dryer at high temperature settings to kill the bugs.
• Use pillow, mattress and box screen encasements to trap bed bugs and detect infestations.
• Reduce clutter in the bedroom where bed bugs may hide and breed.

Controlling an advanced infestation will usually require chemical treatment applied by a pest control professional. Because bed bugs may have developed resistance to some chemicals, treatment may involve a multi-tiered approach over a span of time before eradication is achieved. Follow-up monitoring is usually required, as well, to prevent recurrence.

In Palm Beach and Broward County since 1985, Haggerty Pest Service is your established local provider of pest control expertise. Contact us for an inspection and professional treatment to permanently eliminate a bed bug infestation from your home.

Image via Shutterstock.com