No one wants to encounter bed bugs, but unfortunately, they are a very common problem in homes across Florida. They are not just annoying; they don’t even let you sleep, and their bites cannot be ignored. Once they settle in, they can be hardest to get rid of.
But what attracts bed bugs? Let’s explore the factors and find out what it is that draws bed bugs into your home and what protection measures you should take to safeguard yourself and your family.
What Are Bed Bugs Attracted To?
Let’s look into the factors that bring bed bugs to your homes and how you can protect your homes from them.
Carbon Dioxide and Body Heat
Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out and the heat our bodies emit. These are the strong signals to let them know a human is nearby, so they come over to get the blood they need to survive.
Warm, Humid Environments
Florida has the ideal weather for beg bugs to grow and thrive, and they reproduce more quickly in humid conditions.
Human Activity and Habitation
Bed bugs don’t fly or jump; they depend on human activity. Places like hotels, airports, and rental homes where there is high foot traffic are considered perfect places for bedbugs to take a ride and find their new homes.
Used Furniture
Used furniture is one of the most common ways for bed bugs to enter homes. Florida’s yard sale culture and thrift stores make it easy for infested furniture to make its way into unsuspecting homes.
Clutters
Bed bugs love hiding in dark, cramped spaces, and clutter gives them plenty of hiding spots. While clutter itself doesn’t attract bed bugs, it makes it harder to detect and eliminate them.
Soft Surfaces
Bed bugs love soft materials such as mattresses, bedding, or sofas. These things provide them a safe place to hide and wait for their favorite food source, i.e., humans.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bug infestations can only be controlled if we are able to identify their presence in homes. Let’s look into some common signs that hint towards the infestation.
- Bites: small, itchy red welts, often in a line or cluster, on your skin after sleeping.
- Stains: Tiny blood stains or black spots on sheets, mattresses, or furniture.
- Odor: A musty, sweet smell in heavily infested areas.
- Shed Skins: Transparent exoskeletons left behind as bed bugs grow.
How to Protect Your Florida Home
Everyone wants to protect their homes from bed bugs but doesn’t know how it can be done! Let’s see what attracts bed bugs and figure out some tips to avoid bed bug infestations and keep your homes protected.
Inspect Regularly
You should do a thorough inspection of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture on a daily basis, specifically when you go to sleep.
Be Vigilant When Traveling
Always inspect your hotel rooms for bed bugs, as they can reach out in your room through the luggage you carry.
Declutter Your Space
By reducing clutter, you eliminate potential hiding spots for bed bugs, making it easier to detect and remove them.
Use Bed Bug Traps
Place traps near bed legs and furniture to monitor for bed bugs. These traps help you detect their presence early.
Contact a Professional Pest Control
If you are sure that your home is infested by the bed bugs, reach out to a professional pest control service in your area. They have the experience and expertise to tackle these bed bugs.
Why Are Bed Bugs a Consistent Issue in Florida?
The humid and warm weather of Florida makes it a perfect place for pests like bed bugs to grow. Unlike colder climates where bed bug activity slows during winter, Florida’s mild winters allow them to thrive year-round.
Conclusion
Other than carbon dioxide, body heat, and soft surfaces, bed bugs can also get into your home through the luggage you bring in. As you now know what attracts bed bugs to your home, taking proper preventive measures, such as regular inspections, can protect your homes from these bugs.
If you suspect an infestation, it’s always the best option to call a professional pest control service to eliminate those bugs, as they have expertise, and their treatment would be effective in making your home completely protected from bugs.