If bed bugs have gotten into your Orlando home, it is likely that you have questions. Lots of questions. We understand. These can be mysterious bugs. Today, we hope to remove some of the mystery and give you a few tips to help you deal with these bugs. Here are some frequently asked questions we get regarding bed bugs in Orlando. Hopefully, your questions are in our list.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
No. There is no evidence that bed bugs present a serious threat to human health, outside of laboratory studies. While there is data that bed bugs are able to carry and transmit the bacteria that causes Chagas disease, there are no reported cases in the real world. This is likely due to the isolated nature of bed bugs. If you have bed bugs in your home, they're going to bite you and your family. They don't have the mobility of a mosquito and they don't readily bite other animals, as fleas and ticks do. But, of course, bed bugs aren't harmless.
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Bed bugs bite.
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Each bed bug bites more than once—often three times.
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Bed bugs can grow a large population in your home and inflict you with many bites.
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The saliva of bed bugs causes an allergic reaction that can make the wounds itchy or uncomfortable.
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Wounds that are scratched open can become infected.
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Ongoing bites can lead to anemia.
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Fear of bites can keep you up at night and cause symptoms of sleep deprivation.
What Is The Main Cause Of Bed Bugs?
Orlando's residents acquire bed bugs in a few ways. One way they don't get these bugs is from the outside of their homes. Bed bugs don't live in your yard. They are almost exclusively indoor insects that travel from one structure to another structure in a passive manner. If you have bed bugs, here are a few ways the infestation could have been brought into your home.
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You might have brought them home from vacation.
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Your kids could have brought them back from a sleepover.
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Your college-age kids could have picked them up in their dormitory and brought them home during the holidays.
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A family member could have brought them over during a visit.
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You could have gotten them from work.
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You could have purchased a bed bug infestation along with a piece of used furniture.
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And many other ways.
Where Are Bed Bugs Found?
If you're wondering where the bed bugs are located within your home, there are a few facts you should know. These will help you locate them—assuming it is possible to get into the places where they're hiding.
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Bed bugs are drawn too tight spaces and prefer to be squeezed on all sides.
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Bed bugs avoid the light and will live in dark voids.
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Bed bugs feed on human blood and will be located near beds, couches, and chairs as much as possible.
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Bed bugs often enter homes in luggage, duffel bags, book bags, and other items that are carried. They could still be in these items.
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Bed bugs can be in the structure of your home, such as under a rug, behind a baseboard, and in your wall voids.
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Bed bugs can be in items you wouldn't expect, such as inside electronics.
What Home Remedies Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
Home remedies are less than effective against bed bugs. If you're considering using essential oils to drive bed bugs out, or using heaters to kill them with high temperatures, or spraying them with a vinegar spray, or using some other natural methods, you're likely to be disappointed with the results.
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Bed bugs can't be driven out because they prefer to live inside. They will put up with bad smells in order to get the blood they need for survival and reproduction. On top of this, the scent of products created with essential oils don't last long. When the scent diminishes, bed bugs will be ready and waiting.
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Professionals use industrial, temperature-controlled heating units, sensors, and strategies to perform heat treatments safely. Not only will space heaters be ineffective at creating the sustained levels of heat required to kill bed bugs, they can present a serious risk to your property and to your safety.
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Vinegar sprays applied to surfaces dry up and do not do anything to control bed bugs. A vinegar spray must be applied directly to a bed bug in order to cause a desiccant effect. This is difficult as bed bugs hide in tight spaces and dark voids.
The Best Solution For Bed Bugs
These insects are difficult to exterminate. If you live in Orlando, reach out to us here at Green Flag Services for effective bed bug control. Our service team uses field-tested methods to get complete control of these bugs so that you can rest easy. Connect with us today for service.