Traveling Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know
Bed bugs may be more common than you realize. In a recent study conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), over 75% of pest control professionals reported finding bed bug infestations in hotels and motels.
Bed bugs are tiny, nocturnal insects that can be found in very clean, high-quality lodging as well as in shared-room hostels. All it takes is a ride on a backpack for a bed bug to move from one location to another. While we certainly hope your vacation is bed bug FREE, read on to find out what you need to know to avoid being bitten and bringing bed bugs home.
What to bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are small, brown or reddish-brown, insects. Nymphs are smaller and whitish in color, so they blend in easily with hotel sheets. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects, so they usually bite at night when you are sleeping. The bites typically appear in a line of three and cause significant itching or burning sensations.
What you can do to avoid bed bugs!
Follow these steps to avoid getting bed bugs while traveling:
- Check the bed sheets, blankets, mattress seams, and box spring for bugs or stains. Take a good look at the headboard and any chairs or couches in the room. Bed bugs can also hide out in curtains or small cracks in the wall.
- If you find any evidence of bed bugs – the actual tiny insects — or any brownish streaks on the furniture or linens, contact management and request to change rooms. Ask for a room that is not adjacent to or directly above or below the one you were in.
- To avoid exposing your suitcase and clothing, cover your belongings with a plastic trash bag.
- If you find bites on your skin, make sure to wash the affected area with soap and water, and use ice and topical antihistamine cream to reduce the itching. Try not to scratch to avoid infecting the area!
- Bed bugs can travel in your luggage, on your clothing, or in your backpack or purse. When you return home, wash all clothing and contents of luggage in hot water and detergent before putting anything away.
- Steam and vacuum your luggage, backpack, or purse to get rid of any insects or eggs before they find a new home – in your home.
- Note: If you think you have an infestation in your belongings, don’t bring them home.
Act quickly if you think bed bugs followed you home!
If you do find that you’ve brought the bed bugs home, you’ll want to act immediately to avoid a larger infestation.
- Get rid of anything that has been infested with bed bugs; wash all bedding in very hot water.
- Ensure that all crevices in the walls are caulked over.
- Promptly contact Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) pest removal experts, “America’s bed bug whisperer” company at 954-945-5050.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) sets the standard for pest control service with residential, commercial and industrial customers and provides knowledgeable pest control professionals who are thorough, efficient and discrete. The company employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems.
FPCC utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that begins with a systematic MRI (multi-room inspection) by certified CSI technicians and includes proper detection and identification as well as green pest control treatments. Pest control treatments may also include vacuuming, traps, steam, low toxicity residual pesticide application, as well as customer education.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. For more information or for a free estimate, please contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050. today.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)
Local: 954-945-5050
Pests and Home Values
How much is your home worth?
Do you think potential homebuyers will be willing to pay the asking price for a home after noticing a pest infestation?
Searching for a new house can be stressful – and there are so many considerations that potential buyers contemplate when they visit real estate on the market. Potential buyers are thinking about whether the roof needs to be replaced, if there are any electrical issues, and how many repairs or updates will be needed. So, what happens when you add a bed bug problem to the mix? Adding any type of pest infestation or problem is enough to push most buyers right out the door.
When we think about pests destroying our homes – and the value of our homes – we most likely think of termites. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage each year. Moreover, property damage and the corresponding cleanup caused by pest infestations is not covered by home insurance. That means that the homeowner is completely “on the hook.” Consequently, if a potential home buyer notices any signs of a pest infestation, you can bet that your home will be off the list.
Pest Infestations that Lower Property Value
So, what critters and pests top the list as deal breakers? Termites, also known as the silent destroyers, are at the top. And what about bed bugs? Even though bed bugs don’t spread diseases, they can quickly deter a potential home buyer. Soiled bed linens and furnishings and the threat of biting bugs are enough to stop any logical consumer from purchasing a bed bug-infested home.
Another big problem for homeowners is rodents. In fact, according to NPMA, nearly 30% of American homeowners have had a rodent problem in their home. Rodents such as rats and mice can transmit diseases to humans. They can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces and have also been culpable for chewing wires that cause fires.[1]
Cockroaches are yet another unsightly pest that can negatively affect the value of your home. If a potential buyer comes across this a cockroach in your home, chances are that the potential buyer will lose interest — fast.
Other pests such as mosquitoes can spread diseases including Zika and West Nile virus. Then there are silverfish, bees, ants, and the dreaded flea. Additionally, South Floridians are becoming more familiar with the Giant African Snail that carry disease and multiply at alarming rates.
Infestation Clues
How do you know if you have an infestation? If you notice any of the following, you may have an infestation.
- Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it; wings or pellets (feces) in drawers or in cabinets or on floor.
- Live or dead bugs around the window ledges or edge of flooring or carpet
- Raised ridges or piles of dirt or ant hills on the property
- Large areas of damage to the lawn or distinct brown spots
- Pest droppings around the house
- Nests that may found in small nooks, behind appliances, or inside narrow spaces
- Unusual odors such as musty or urine smells
- Rodents’ feet scurrying around in the attic
- Fecal droppings or tiny animal footprints outside the home
- Holes on the property or bite marks in wood or other materials near the home or on the property
Protecting your Property: PREVENTION
So, what’s the best way to protect your property? Prevention. Once you’ve seen evidence of pests, the best way to protect and maintain your property value is to contact a reputable pest control company today. Here are the key points to follow to prevent pest infestations:
- Keep your home clutter free, clean, and dry.
- Similarly, keep your property clean and well-maintained.
- Seal any small access points.
- Keep your eyes and ears open; educate yourself on early signs of pest infestations.
- Contract a reputable company for regular inspections and exterminations.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) is the reputable South Florida company that provides licensed, insured, and guaranteed safe and humane nuisance wildlife removal and complete pest control.
For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today. Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings. Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, ticks, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, birds, rodents, and other pest infestations.
Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)
https://www.floridapestcontrolcenter.com/
Local: 954-945-5050
[1] National Pest Management Association NPMA Industry Fact Sheet, https://npmapestworld.org