Bed Bug Treatments

Year-Round Bed Bug Troubles: Pest Busterzz Has You Covered

While some pests come and go with the seasons, bed bugs are a year-round headache, especially in the warm and welcoming climate of South Florida. These persistent pests can hitch a ride on luggage carried by tourists and guests flocking to the Sunshine State. Additionally, their ability to reproduce quickly in warmer temperatures exacerbates the problem.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the national expenditure on bed bug treatment has reached a staggering $3 million. Clearly, this is a substantial issue. If you’re grappling with a bed bug infestation and searching for a ‘bed bug exterminator near me,’ we invite you to reach out to Pest Busterzz, your trusted pest control professionals. You can contact us online or give us a call at 954-213-5293.

Understanding Their Prolific History

Bed bugs have been a nuisance for millennia, dating back to a time when they resided in dark caves and fed on bats and, unfortunately, our ancestors. As human habitation evolved beyond caves, bed bugs followed the scent of their primary food source, humans. Historical references in literature, including ancient Egyptian texts, and even the discovery of fossilized bed bugs from 3,500 years ago attest to their enduring presence.

Despite a temporary decline in the 1950s due to advancements in pest control, bed bugs have staged a remarkable comeback in recent decades. Several factors have contributed to this resurgence, including increased international travel, bans on certain pesticides, the evolution of bed bugs’ resistance to treatments, and a lack of widespread awareness about proactive prevention measures.

Spotting a Bed Bug Infestation

These flat, round, reddish-brown pests are about the size of an apple seed or roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bed bugs are known for their stealth and can be challenging to detect, especially in the nymph stage when they are even smaller. Instead of seeing the bugs themselves, you may notice their shed exoskeletons, feces, bites or welts that itch, small bloodstains on your bedsheets, or a sweet yet musty odor in your surroundings. If any of these signs are present, a bed bug problem could be lurking.

Health Concerns

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, they do feed on human blood, resulting in bites that can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. These bites may be mistaken for those of fleas or mosquitoes, with symptoms often manifesting several days later. In some cases, bites can become infected, requiring medical attention. Moreover, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Bed bugs primarily emerge at night while people are asleep, drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale. Their saliva contains anesthetic properties, which often prevents bite victims from waking during the feeding process. Additionally, an anticoagulant in their saliva makes it challenging to detect the bites. After feeding, bed bugs retreat to digest the blood, reproduce, and lay eggs.

Preferred Hideouts

True to their name, bed bugs commonly take refuge in beds, including mattresses, bed joints, and slats. However, they can also infest wall outlets, baseboards, behind wallpaper, and even in clothing, linens, and more. Their ability to travel extends to suitcases, briefcases, clothing, and second-hand furniture and bedding, making them adept hitchhikers. Once bed bugs establish themselves, they can persist for extended periods, with adults surviving without a food source for several months. A single female can lay one to seven eggs per day, potentially totaling 200 to 300 eggs in her lifetime. This rapid reproduction can quickly turn a minor infestation into a major problem, particularly in the warm climates of southern Florida, where nymphs can mature in as little as 21 days.

Proactive Prevention Strategies

If you purchase second-hand items, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home. Regular vacuuming, including furniture and areas around your bed, can help. Use a stiff scrub brush to clean your mattress and employ sweeper attachments for vacuuming. Change vacuum bags frequently and dispose of old ones in plastic bags before placing them in an outdoor garbage can. When traveling, keep your luggage in the bathtub when not in use (as bed bugs cannot climb smooth surfaces) and inspect bedding for infestations. After returning from a trip, leave luggage in a hot car for 24 hours and then inspect it for bed bugs. Wash clothing, bedding, curtains, and linens in hot water and run them through a hot dryer. For items that cannot be washed, such as shoes or stuffed animals, place them in the dryer for 30 minutes at the highest setting.