Are Bed Bugs On The Rise?

Few pests evoke the same level of discomfort and anxiety as bed bugs. These tiny, blood-sucking insects are the last thing you want to find crawling around your room at night, but unfortunately, recent trends show that bed bugs are on the rise—not just in one county or state, but across the globe. Here, the experts at Forest Pest Control discuss how common bed bugs actually are, how you can protect yourself, and when you should call an exterminator. 

How Common Are Bed Bugs In The US?

Bed bugs have become a widespread issue across the United States. Infestations occur in all sorts of places, from schools and hotels to airports and more. While exact numbers can be challenging to pinpoint due to underreporting and varying levels of infestation severity, studies indicate a significant increase in bed bug encounters in recent years—in fact, nearly 1 in 7 US travelers reported spotting these insects in the last year alone. 

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), nearly all pest professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year, so they’re common all across the country. Not only that, but they’re found in almost any neighborhood; though bed bugs are often associated with unhygienic areas, that is a myth. They often invade high-end hotels, clean homes, and just about any other space.

Why Are Bed Bugs Becoming More Common?

It’s clear that bed bugs are becoming an increasingly big problem across the country… But why? Well, there are a few main factors that could be at play. Here are some of the biggest reasons why bed bugs are becoming more common:

• Increase in Travel: Travel has been on the rise in the past year or two. As more people travel, bed bugs have more opportunities to latch onto travelers and spread from place to place. These insects can hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings, making hotels and transportation hubs prime locations for infestations to spread.

• Lack of Public Awareness: Despite their increasing prevalence, many people still lack adequate knowledge about bed bugs and how to prevent infestations. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed detection and treatment, allowing infestations to escalate. Additionally, misconceptions about bed bugs, such as associating them with poor hygiene or unclean living conditions, can contribute to stigma and hinder efforts to address the problem effectively. Raising public awareness about bed bugs, their behavior, and methods of prevention is essential in combating their spread.

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How to Avoid Bed Bugs in Florida

While bed bugs can be a challenging pest to eliminate—especially here in Florida where our weather is almost always warm— that doesn’t mean you have to worry. There are still a number of steps you can take to avoid bed bugs:

• Inspect Your Lodging: Whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, take a few minutes to inspect the sleeping area before unpacking. Check the seams, crevices, and folds of mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as dark spots or shed skins.

• Use Protective Encasements: Consider investing in mattress and box spring encasements designed to prevent bed bugs from infesting your sleeping area. These protective covers create a barrier that bed bugs cannot penetrate, reducing the likelihood of infestation.

• Keep Luggage Elevated: When traveling, avoid placing your luggage directly on the floor or bed. Instead, use luggage racks or keep your suitcase elevated on a hard surface away from potential hiding spots for bed bugs.

• Practice Good Hygiene: While bed bugs are not necessarily attracted to dirt or filth, maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the likelihood of infestation. Regularly launder bedding, clothing, and other fabric items in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.

• Be Cautious with Secondhand Furniture: If purchasing secondhand furniture or clothing, inspect items thoroughly for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home. Consider treating used items with heat or steam to eliminate any potential bed bugs or eggs.

• Limit Clutter: Clutter provides ample hiding spots for bed bugs, making it easier for them to establish and spread infestations. Keep living spaces tidy and clutter-free to minimize potential hiding spots for bed bugs.

• Seek Professional Assistance: If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home or business, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Experienced pest control professionals, such as Forest Pest Control, can conduct thorough inspections, implement effective treatment strategies, and provide guidance on preventive measures to avoid future infestations.

Protect Your Home or Business From Bed Bugs

Whether you own a business like a hotel or just want to keep bed bugs out of your room, professional services can help. At Forest Pest Control, our experienced technicians have a proven track record of successfully eradicating bed bugs from hotels, medical offices, and various other commercial establishments, as well as homes. 

With our meticulous inspection process and targeted treatment approach, including the use of mattress encasements if necessary, we ensure thorough eradication of bed bugs from all infested areas. Don’t let the rise of bed bugs disrupt your peace of mind – contact Forest Pest Control today.