Bed Bug Identification

What are bed bugs?

To complete their life cycle and survive, bed bugs are pests that must consume blood meals. Bed bugs received their name because their preferred hosts are people, and in order to be near their hosts, these nocturnal pests hide near our beds. While a human is a bed bug's favorite host, they will also feed on other warm-blooded animals, including our pets.

Avid hitchhikers, the bed bug's ability to move with people, and our belongings from place to place have allowed these pests to become a major problem for home and business owners across the United States.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

The bites that bed bugs deliver are not painful and usually don't result in the spread of diseases. However, the opening created in the skin does leave a person vulnerable to bacteria that could cause an infection. If a person is allergic to the bed bug's saliva, a raised, red, itchy rash could develop.

When it comes to bed bugs, they are not necessarily "dangerous," but their presence is always unwelcome. Once people discover bed bugs, they usually have difficulty sleeping and experience increased stress levels. Partnering with a professional is the best way to regain a good night's sleep by ensuring these pests are completely eliminated from your home!

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

The bed bug's flattened oval-shaped body and dark color (reddish-brown) allow them to squeeze into the tiniest of spaces and remain virtually unnoticeable. The bed bug's ability to hide and only emerge while we are sleeping enables these insects to build significant populations in homes and businesses before we finally notice their presence.

Bed bugs are a problem for us simply because we are their favorite host, and they have adapted to traveling and living indoors with us. Our temperature-controlled structures allow these pests to remain active throughout the year.

In Florida, there are so many people coming and going from our cities every day that it is easy for bed bugs to move throughout our state, making controlling these pests a tricky task!

Where will I find bed bugs?

There are many areas of a home where bed bugs will hide; they don't just stay in bedrooms and the seams of mattresses, especially once their population begins to grow. Bed bugs can be found in couch seams, under cushions, behind baseboards, behind wall hangings, inside outlets, and under piles of clutter.

Bed bugs live and hang out wherever there are people; some of the most common places to come into contact with bed bugs include:

• Hotels and motels
• Cruise ships and resorts
• Museums, movie theaters, laundry mats, and libraries
• Airports, bus stations, and other public transportation stations
• School and dormitories

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Protect your home and get rid of current issues with bed bugs with the local pest control experts at Empire Pest Defense. We will protect your home or business from bed bugs and other pests through detailed inspections, effective treatments, and on-going services.

Empire Pest Defense is a local company with a deep commitment to our community. We help people keep their properties free of pests that call Florida home. Contact us today and learn more about our bed bug control services and working together to guard your West Palm Beach property from these biting pests!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

Avoid problems with bed bugs with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and our practical prevention tips:

• Be familiar with what bed bugs look like and always check hotels, motels, and other places you will be staying for bed bugs before bringing luggage inside.
• Protect your home's mattresses and box springs by placing bed bug-proof covers over them.
• Do not put your personal belongings on the floors of public places for long periods.
• Pick up stray bed bugs that find a way into your home by vacuuming regularly.
• Do laundry regularly, and don't let it pile up on the floor of the laundry room.
• Thoroughly inspect things like mattresses and furniture for bed bugs before bringing them into your home.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.