Down here in the south, there’s a tropical little peninsula. We call it Florida. It’s got nice beaches, warm sand, sun, and a booming tourism industry. Millions of people are moving here, and millions more visit every year. And when they come, they generally have some questions. And one question that’s good to ask of any travel destination is this: Are bed bugs bad in Florida? Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? Well…
Are Bed Bugs Bad in Florida: Overview
In the United States, bed bugs cost about 300 million dollars a year to control. If you average it out, the cost per home in bedbug control is roughly a thousand dollars. They’re invasive pests and were introduced in the 1700s by European colonists. And since then, their growth and population explosion has been hard to keep contained. Summer is when they reach their peak activity levels. Bed bugs love hot, humid weather. Also, since summer is such a huge time for family vacations, the bed bugs will hitchhike with them as they travel down to Florida.
And then, once in your home, their levels are usually too low to detect the infestation. And since we live in a state with so many biting insects, a bite here or there on a Floridian’s skin is not uncommon.
As for what bed bugs actually are, they’re small, parasitic insects that mainly feed on human blood. They also feed on the blood of pets, cattle, and other warm blooded animals. They’re probably the worst in Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, and other major city hubs in the state. Their resurgence has followed a loosening of covid restrictions. Unfortunately, the simple answer to the question is bed bugs bad in Florida is a yes.
How do you get bed bugs?
Unlike other species of pest insects, bed bugs aren’t a matter of cleanliness. These aren’t pests that eat human food or fallen decaying matter. Instead, they’re only interested in two things. One, is a human. And two, shelter. But if you get bed bugs at all, it’s probably due to their excellent skill as hitch hikers. The second you step foot into a building with something that they can cling on to and breathe out carbon dioxide, they’ll be hunting you down. They tend to cling onto clothing items and suitcases.
Another way to easily get bed bugs is through second-hand electronics and furniture. Sure, they may be a good way to save a few bucks. But it only takes a few microscopic bed bug eggs in that couch’s lining to become an infestation of thousands within your home. This goes double if any second hand furniture is left on the side of the road. Don’t pick up roadside furniture, and inspect second hand electronics. Old PC towers and PlayStation consoles are just as viable as an electrical outlet for these bugs to live in.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
For a long time, my answer to this question was no. Until recently, bed bugs had no connection to human spread pathogens. But Penn State and other universities have done studies that show that they can make us sick now. Chagas disease is now carried by some bed bugs in the United States and is a growing concern. Especially in Florida and other southern tropical regions of the country.
But even without diseases, any bug bite is potentially dangerous. Their bites on the skin can lead to things like open wounds and secondary infections. And these pests bite a lot! A single bed bug will feed multiple times at night. And when you have several bed bugs feeding on you multiple times, it can quickly become a problem. It’s possible to wake up with dozens of bed bug wounds on your skin after only a single night. And bed bugs are drawn to carbon dioxide, so bites on the face and neck are not uncommon.
How do I prevent bed bugs in my home?
Well, now that you have your answer to the question ‘are bed bugs bad in Florida’, let’s talk about keeping them out of your home. Obviously, as I mentioned above, avoid second hand furniture and electronics. The deal just isn’t worth the risk, especially if you live in a townhome or apartment complex. Bed bugs can easily move in the voids between walls and spread from house to house.
Unfortunately, these bugs are sneaky and highly mobile. Obviously, the best course of action for you to keep bed bugs out of your house is preventative action. When you travel, keep your clothes inside of plastic wrap even when they’re in the suitcase itself. Inspect your linens and room whenever you travel as closely as possible on vacation, and the second you arrive there. And when you get home, keep your clothes and cloth material somewhere outside of the house, go inside, full shower. And then, once back in your home, throw everything you brought with you that can go into the washing machine. After that, inspect everything else as you bring it indoors.
Are Bed Bugs Bad in Florida: Conclusion
These are serious pests. It’s not like having some ants or some roaches. These guys drink your blood, carry disease, and interrupt your day-to-day life. And because of their durability and ability to live anywhere they can squeeze into, they’re impossible for a layman to deal with. If you have bed bugs in your home, immediately do everything you can to keep their numbers under control.
That means regularly vacuuming your carpet. On top of that, every article of clothing in your house should probably get a nice, hot spin cycle and dry. But once that’s done, that’s all you can really do. Contact a professional as soon as possible, and leave the rest up to someone with proper training. Chemical pesticides are not only dangerous, but improper usage can create a bed bug problem that has resistance to chemicals.
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