Summer is a time for vacation getaways, fun in the sun and bed bugs. The inspiration to a classic bedtime rhyme, bedbugs have become an emerging problem on the Treasure Coast, and experts say summer is the peak season for the parasitic insects.
"This is the time people are traveling in and out of motels or hotels, which are where bedbugs are common," said Bob Curran, a volunteer for Martin County's extension of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture. "The pests are traveling with their human carriers on skin and in luggage, and being transported to people's homes."
It's in these homes that the reddish-brown insects the size of apple seeds settle into their prefered habitats: crevices in mattresses, box springs and other common sleeping areas.
They become active at night, when they feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, especially humans. "Once they infest a house, the bedbugs are very difficult to control," Curran said. A study by UF suggests fumigation by a bedbug exterminator is the most effective method to eliminate the pests, and because of the rise in bedbug cases, many pest control companies offer bedbug treatment.
What can homeowners/tenants do to protect themselves?
Inspect vintage furniture, antiques and used appliances or consignment items for signs of bedbugs before bringing them into the home.
Never pick up used mattresses or furniture left curbside. They were probably discarded for a reason.
Inspect and wash (in warm water) previously worn clothing that has been donated or purchased.
Use zippered encasements on mattresses and box springs. This will help keep these items from becoming infested and will trap the bedbugs inside if bedbugs are already present.
Quarantine infested items. Often, the first reaction is to move infested items to an alternate room. This will only spread the problem.
What can travelers do to keep from bringing them home?
Check headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and the dark blood spots they leave behind.
Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.
Avoid unpacking clothing and storing them in the hotel's furniture drawers.
Don't allow your baggage to sit on the floor. Store it on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
If you notice evidence of bedbugs, request another room or change hotels.
When returning home, leave luggage in the garage or basement until you are able to thoroughly inspect it for bedbugs.
Vacuum suitcases when returning from trips and immediately wash clothing in hot water.
If you or someone you know has suffered bed bug bites during a hotel or motel stay, please call the Fort Lauderdale bed bug lawyers at The Citron Law Firm for advice on how to best handle the situation. We will preserve the evidence necessary to aggressively prosecute your claim.
Continue reading "Bed Bugs Infesting South Florida" »
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