Bed Bug Control

Bed bugs, once almost exterminated as a pest in America, are making a comeback in record numbers.

Bed Bugs infestations are everywhere people live, work and play: Homes, apartments, motels, hotels, schools, dormitories, locker rooms, theaters, planes, trains, buses, ships, subways, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living homes, department stores, the list is endless.  They are becoming a large problem in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

As the saying goes the best defense is a good offense. Know the enemy – where do they sleep, what and when do they eat, how do they get around, will they make me sick, what do they look like?

Where will I find bed bugs?

Human dwellings make the most suitable living environment for these critters. It offers warmth, areas to hide and most importantly hosts on which to feed. During the day they hide in cracks and crevices and can be found in wall outlets, behind baseboards, wallpaper and pictures, between bed joints and slats, along the seams of mattresses and linens. The cryptic nature of Bed Bugs makes them very difficult to locate, making control a complex and laborious process.

BedBugs are moved from one place to another because they like to “hitchhike” on belongings such as clothes, suitcases, book bags, handbags, second-hand beds, furniture and bedding etc. So there is the possibility of finding them almost anywhere.

What and when do they feed?

They feed on blood at night using a piercing beak. They prefer humans, but will feed on other animals such as dogs, cats and birds. They can live for months without a blood meal, which means they can survive while you’re away on vacation or while an unoccupied home or business is waiting to be sold.

Bed Bug FAQ

Will Bed Bugs make me sick?

Bed Bugs are not known to spread any diseases, despite the fact that they feed on blood. There bites can cause itchy skin rashes or welts. Some people have allergic reactions to the bites and secondary infections can develop from itchy bites being scratched open.

But loss of sleep is the most common problem, even sleep deprivation which can cause Irritability, Inability to concentrate and decreased energy.

What do they look like?

Adults are about ¼ inch long, reddish brown to dark brown in color with an oval, flattened body. They cannot fly, but can run and disperse quickly.

What Should I Do If I Suspect bed bug?

Alternative Pest Management can definitively determine if you have Bed Bugs in your Pasco, Pinellas, Citrus, Hillsborough or Hernando County home or business.

Tell-tale signs of bed bugs:

• Red, welts/bites that itch and occur while sleeping.
• Dark brown; red; rusty looking excrement on mattresses, linens or near bed.
• Insects found in cracks and crevices in bedding, nearby furniture, drapes, carpeting or behind lamp tables, headboards, footboards and picture frame, etc.

These are all indications that you may have a bed bug indestation.

If you see any of these signs or suspect that Bed Bugs are present, contact Alternative Pest Management immediately to determine if you have a Bed Bug problem and to discuss an appropriate treatment plan.

 

Bed Bug Travel Tips in the Greater Tampa Bay Area

 

For those that may be unfamiliar, a bed bug is a bug that feasts on human blood. The parasitic insect also infests beds, as the name can authenticate. How can an individual or family avoid getting bed bugs while they travel? It is not as difficult as some people may think.

1. Check Reviews for Hotels

Before he or she departs, the traveler should take the time to study the hotel that he or she is using. Has the hotel had problems with bed bugs in the past? Did the staff respond appropriately to an issue? This research can be done on the Internet. There are a number of review websites that allow previous customers to comment on experiences

2. Inspect a Room before Settling

A person should check the hotel room carefully before settling. This is important; if a person chooses to ignore this tip, he or she may end up picking up bed bugs. The person can lift up cushions on a couch or chair; he or she can also check the back of bedframes, headboards, bedside tables, dressers and paintings. Use a flashlight for under or inside a bed. If bed bugs are present, the staff of the hotel should be informed as soon as possible, and you should change rooms or switch hotels immediately.

3. Cover Clothes With Bags and Do Not Place Them on the Bed

Personal items of any kind should not be placed on the bed. It does not matter if an inspection took place; in the long run, caution takes priority. Clothing should not be taken out of the luggage; they should be kept inside bags no matter what. If a person needs an article of clothing, it can be removed from a bag. This step keeps bed bugs away from private items; the bugs cannot hide inside a shirt or book, and they cannot be taken back home as easily.

If you are unfortunate enough to find bed bugs at your hotel or bring them home, give us a call and we can quickly come out and take care of the problem.

Get a free quote from Alternative Pest Management today or call us at:

• Pasco / Hillsborough 1-813-922-0050
• Pinellas / Pasco 1-727-333-2716
• Citrus / Hernando 1-352-405-5830

We respect your privacy and do not sell or share your information with third parties.