October 15, 2021 - Bed Bugs
When most people think of bed bugs, they imagine a pest that’s only a problem for homes and apartments. While it’s true that bed bugs often infest mattresses and bedding, they can become a problem for places that don’t have any beds at all. In fact, almost any business or commercial office building in Eustis, Florida can end up with a bed bug infestation.
This all has to do with how bed bugs move from place to place. Bed bugs are hitchhikers that attach themselves to backpacks, purses, luggage, and clothing. While they don’t attach to human hosts, they will grab a ride on the things we carry. Bed bugs can be picked up from other businesses, homes, hotels, or public transportation, and from there, they can be brought into your building.
Employees, visitors, and other workers that come through your business, such as custodial crews, could inadvertently bring bed bugs in without even realizing it. And, because bed bugs are one of the most invasive pests in the area, it’s important to understand what you can do to prevent them from getting inside.
Some Signs Of Bed Bug Activity
Before getting into prevention steps, it’s also vital to know the signs of bed bug infestations. Knowing these indicators can help you catch an infestation early on before it spreads throughout the entire building.
Here are the main signs of bed bugs in commercial properties:
- Because bed bugs are nocturnal, you’re unlikely to see actual bugs at first. Instead, look for discarded bug skins or small white to brown egg casings around baseboards and floors.
- You can also look for black and brown smear marks caused by bed bug feces.
- Lastly, a strange, musty odor that wasn’t around before could also indicate bed bugs.
These signs are subtle and infestations spread quickly, so it is important to pay close attention and respond to any possible reports of bed bugs in your business right away.
How To Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home
If your business does end up with bed bugs, make sure to instruct employees and other visitors on how to avoid bringing these bed bugs home. First of all, everyone should check jackets, briefcases, purses, and other luggage for bed bugs themselves. These bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are a reddish-brown color. While usually flat, they will appear round after they’ve eaten.
Next, instruct employees to check their homes for bed bugs, especially around mattresses and bedding. They should also look for signs of bed bugs around other furniture and even walls. Lastly, make sure your employees look for signs of bed bug bites, including bloodstains on sheets and bedding and bite marks that show up in lines or zig-zag patterns.
How Can You Remove Bed Bugs From Your Business?
If you suspect your commercial office building has a bed bug infestation, the easiest and most effective way to remove the problem is with assistance from Pest Ref Services.
Our trained technicians can check all the small spaces around your office for signs of bed bugs to get to the source of the problem. Then, we will develop a treatment plan to remove the entire infestation and ensure these bugs don’t return.
To learn more about our commercial bed bug control plans, contact us today. We also offer free inspections.
Pest Ref was very professional when I sent a message regarding a quote. The quick response and timely scheduling made me a satisfied customer. Thank you, Pest Ref. A++