Outside of my window right now is one of the biggest benefits of living in Florida. As we move into mid-fall, temperatures are finally dropping. That means outside is one of those mythical Florida fall days where the air is dry and the temperature is around sixty. This is probably a great relief to most people living down here in the Sunshine State. Not only that, but winter in Florida means we get a break from the worst of our pests. Especially the flying parasites like biting flies. But there’s a few species of pest that we’ll have to contend with all winter long, and today we’re discussing the worst of it. That’s why we’ll talk about Brandon Bed Bug control, and what you can do if you spot an infestation in your home.
Brandon Bed Bug Control: Overview
In the realm of pest control, information is key and knowledge is power. So to start, knowing what a bed bug looks like and how it behaves is the first tool you’ll need in this fight for Brandon Bed Bug control. Bed bugs have flat, small, oval-shaped bodies. And though they have vestigial wings, they’ve long since evolved past using them, so they’ll never be able to fly at you at least. Some people think that you can’t see a bed bug with the naked eye, but this is a misconception. Bed bugs are similar in appearance to small poppy seeds when they hatch. But as adults, they look more like a lentil or apple seed.
The adults of this species are slow moves and about four to five millimeters in length. Their bodies are brown, though redden when full of blood. Bed bugs have six legs, a head, a thorax, and an abdomen.
Bed Bugs vs Mosquito bites
Now one mistake people often make is confusing the bites of these two common pests. There are a few key things you can look out for on your quest for Brandon bed bug control, though.
Mosquito bites are puffy, white, and reddish bumps that begin after the mosquito has already fed. Over the course of the day, they’ll become more reddish-brown in color. In some instances, the bites may actually cause small blisters and dark bruising. Also, weirdly enough, sensitivity to mosquito bites tends to decrease as the number of times bitten increases, which is why children are so much more sensitive to mosquito bites. In general, mosquito bites are moderately painful, irritating, itchy, and leave isolated marks on the skin. They also occur at any time of day.
On the other hand, you have the bed bug and its bites. Symptoms of a bed bug bite are variable and may initially result in no visible symptoms at all. The bites, however, can become inflamed, red, and itchy. In many instances, a bed bug isn’t even able to digest all of the blood it takes from you. Because of this, they tend to excrete portions of the bloodmeal onto the sheets you’re sleeping in. So if you see small, round bloodstains on your sheets in the mornings there’s a good chance that a bed bug is your biter.
Bites on dogs and cats look similar to bites on people. Though oftentimes, fleas get the blame instead of bed bugs, so if you treat for fleas and bites still keep showing up on you and your pet, that may be the cause.
Infestation Signs
Now let’s talk about a few signs that you may need Brandon bed bug control. Obviously, the eye test is always going to be the most effective. Look at your mattresses and box springs, especially in the seems. If you see the bugs there and crawling around, contact a pest control specialist immediately. These are insects with incredible powers of reproduction, so a few can become many in no time.
As I mentioned above, another sign may be the appearance of tiny maroon spots and streaks on bedding and mattresses. This can come from a few things. Either the bugs themselves being crushed by regular human activity and them being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or they’ve simply excreted some digested blood as they walk along.
Molted shells are another good tell. Bed bugs go through several different life stages as they age. That means that as they grow, they’ll need to molt and shed their old shells. If you find casings lying around, there’s a good chance that they’re frequenting that area. Check around your headboard, floorboard, and along the edges of walls where they may travel.
And when you look, remember that bed bugs are usually found close to where people spend their time. Obviously in and around the bed are the most obvious spots to look. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect other areas. For example, behind wall outlets, floor molding, window and door molding, and where carpet edges meet the wall. Bed bugs can occur in many different locations, and it’s best to be thorough.
Brandon Bed Bug Control: What To Do?
Bed bugs are no laughing matter. If you live in any sort of attached home, townhouse, apartment, or similar situation that goes double. Not only is your infestation a threat to you, but bed bugs can easily travel through walls and spread and infest other units in the same complex. Their bites are horrible and prone to infection, they’re dirty insects that crap everywhere they go, and they suck your blood. Basically what I’m saying is, if you have a bedbug problem it’s best to get it dealt with professionally as soon as possible.
Sure there are things you can do as a layman, but they’re all pretty extreme. So before you go and bug bomb your own home, or wrap your furniture up in plastic and set it out in the hot sun to try and kill some bugs, consider contacting a pest control specialist. Especially one that uses natural methods of pest control. Since the days of agent orange we’ve known that chemical poisons are a hazard to human health, so don’t put your family and property at that risk.
