Of all the pests we face here in Tampa, few are as hard to get rid of as bed bugs. It is important for you to do everything in your power to keep them from ever getting inside your Tampa home or you could find yourself dealing with a full-blown infestation. Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions about bed bugs that make people think they aren’t as big of a threat as they truly are. For instance, some folks think bed bugs only infest dirty homes, and that by keeping their house clean, they can keep bed bugs out. The truth is, while keeping a clean house does help to prevent other pests, bed bugs will infest any home, dirty or clean if given the opportunity. Therefore, all Tampa homeowners need to know what they can do to limit their exposure to bed bugs and keep them out of their homes.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects that resemble apple seeds in color and shape. As such, they are often called apple seeds with legs. Although they are small, bed bugs are not invisible so you might very well see them in your home if you have an infestation. Bed bugs feed on the blood of mammals and some birds. Their favorite source of food is the blood of us humans. As such, they frequently make their way into our homes. Once in a home, bed bugs typically settle around beds, in mattresses, bedding, and box springs. This is because bed bugs are nocturnal, and these locations provide them with easy access to sleeping humans, upon whom they can feed. Although an infestation might begin around a bed, if not contained or dealt with promptly, it will spread throughout the home.
How Do Bed Bugs Get Inside Homes?
Although we may not like to admit it, the primary way bed bugs get into homes is by riding in on us. That’s right, we are usually responsible for bringing bed bugs into our own homes. Bed bugs are like little hitchhikers that catch rides on people and objects until they arrive in a location that they can settle and infest. Areas you are most likely to pick up bed bugs are called bed bug hotspots. These include transportation hubs such as bus depots, train stations, and airports; lodging establishments such as hotels, motels, and dormitories; and other areas where large quantities of people come and go regularly such as shopping malls, schools, and hospitals. Bed bugs might also enter a home while hiding out in secondhand items. These include clothing, bedding, mattresses, box springs, and appliances.
How To Keep Bed Bugs Out Of Your Home?
To keep bed bugs out of your home, you need to exercise caution when venturing into bed bug hotspots and inspect all secondhand items before bringing them into your home.
- Refrain from placing your belongings directly on the ground while out in the world.
- Do not sit directly on the ground while in bed bug hot spots.
- Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before getting situated.
- Inspect yourself and your belongings for bed bugs after spending time in bed bug hot spots.
- Inspect and thoroughly clean all secondhand items before bringing them into your home.
What To Do If Your Tampa Home Is Infested With Bed Bugs
If you do find yourself dealing with a bed bug infestation, contact the professionals here at EcoTech Pest Control Solutions right away. We have the requisite experience and expertise to effectively eliminate any bed bug infestation with which you are dealing. Furthermore, should you opt for one of our ongoing treatment plans, we will work with you to better protect your Tampa home from all future infestations. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Give us a call today to get started.