Florida is a hotspot for travelers. People come from all over the world to enjoy our warm weather and sandy beaches. Unfortunately, with some much traveling comes bed bugs - the ultimate hitchhiker.

Bed bugs are prevalent pests. They infest homes nearly everywhere and can be quite a nuisance. They're small and can sometimes be hard to spot. Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects and are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans exhale. They leave indicators behind which can help identify them, such as itchy bites. Knowing how to find and get rid of bed bugs can save you from the annoyance of living with them in your home in The Villages.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects and measure less than a centimeter in length. They are reddish-brown and don't have wings. Despite being incredibly small, it is still possible to see them with the naked eye. They are often compared to an apple seed with a flat oblong appearance.

Bed bug eggs and nymphs are tiny and opaque white in color. They can be incredibly difficult to see, but if you do notice odd little clusters around the seams of your mattress, you may have bed bugs.

How To Find Bed Bugs In Your Home

The first thing you'll probably notice if you have bed bugs are the bites. Bed bug bites are inflamed, itchy bumps with a dark center. They usually appear in a zigzag or line pattern, and they may even have blisters or hives surrounding them. While their bites can be itchy and irritating, bed bugs do not transmit diseases. They don't really harm humans, but the stigma of having bed bugs and the annoyance they cause is enough for homeowners to want to avoid an infestation.

Despite their name, bed bugs aren't only found in and around beds. They'll stay just about anywhere that they have quick access to food - meaning a blood meal. Bed bugs search for areas where people like to rest - this means you may find them in your bedroom, living room, or other areas where family members likely lounge.

Here are some ways to search for a bed bug problem: 

• Start by looking under your sheets, around your mattress, and mattress seams as you might spot small reddish-brown stains. This could be bed bug excrement, small bloodstains from their bites, or pieces of bed bugs that got squished. 
• Use a flashlight to search for live bed bugs or their eggs. Look under your sheets and in the inseam of mattresses or furniture.  
• Check other areas of your home, including around outlets, baseboards, behind wall hangings, in cracks in the walls, tears in the wallpaper, backs of drawers, and even inside books. Bedbugs love to hide!

To prevent bed bugs from getting into your home, you should take precautions when traveling or whenever you are in close contact with other people. Bed bugs can't jump or fly, so the only way they can make it to your home is to hitch a ride by climbing onto your belongings. Knowing how to identify bed bugs and where to look for them can help you be aware of them when you are in public.

The Professionals At Bertram Pest Solutions Can Help With Your Bed Bug Problems

If bed bugs still get into your home, you shouldn't try to get rid of them yourself. The best thing you can do is contact the professional Bertram Pest Solutions. We provide both residential pest control and commercial pest management packages as well as comprehensive and discreet bed bug control services.

We partner with residents and businesses in The Villages community to safely and effectively rid your environment of bed bugs. Reach out to us today to learn more about our bed bug control options!