Types of Pests Found in Homes

Posted on by Annie Quinn

If you live in Florida, you are well aware of the year round pests that can make our outdoor living space feel like a war zone against bugs. But the last place you want to find a bug is inside your home. There are many different types of pests that can be found in a home, but are you able to identify them? The importance of identifying what type of pest could be in your home can help you eliminate the possibility of there being a larger issue at hand, an infestation. That is why we are here to help give you a quick guide to the unwanted guests you should have concerns about being in your home versus bugs that may have come inside by mistake.

The most important type of pests to know, are the kinds that wreak havoc in or on your interior living space – from eating away at the structure to an uninvited move-in. Here we will identify pests that you won’t want to find in your home, but if you do, you will want to take further action with Infinite Pest Solutions.

  1. Termites
  2. Bed Bugs
  3. German Roaches
  4. Rodents – Mice and Rats
  5. Big Headed Ants
  6. Carpenter Ants
  7. Ghost Ants
  8. Fleas

On the other hand, there are a number of common household pests in Florida that do not pose such a threat on your living space. Although these pests do not cause a threat to your environment, they can still be a nuisance and are typically unwanted. There can be a number of reasons why these critters have made their way into your Florida home – from a door or window being left open one second too long to cracks and crevices that have gone unnoticed.

  1. House Spiders
  2. Millipedes
  3. Centipedes
  4. Silverfish
  5. White footed ants
  6. House crickets
  7. Earwigs
  8. Palmetto Roach

With these guides, you can determine if you’re in need of immediate solutions or can rest easy knowing a critter entered by mistake. If you still find yourself unsure, that is why we are here for you! An Infinite expert can be at your door within the same day or next for a thorough inspection and a customized plan to get rid of the pests. What bugs you, bugs us!

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Posted on by Annie Quinn

Finding pests in your home is never fun, but finding bed bugs in your sleeping space is a nightmare come true. Identifying bed bugs early on can save you the hassle of an at home infestation or even bringing them back into your home from a vacation. Infinite is here to help you become a bed bug identifier expert! 

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Primarily nocturnal, they hide during the day in cracks and crevices near their food source. Though not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological stress. 

Physical Characteristics 

  • Size: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, measuring 5-7 mm in length. 
  • Shape: They have flat, oval-shaped bodies. After feeding, they become swollen and elongated. 
  • Color: Unfed bed bugs are brownish; after feeding, they turn reddish-brown. 
  • Nymphs: Juvenile bed bugs are smaller, lighter in color, and translucent. They shed their exoskeleton five times before reaching maturity. 

Signs of Infestation 

  • Bites: Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts, typically in a line or cluster. However, not everyone reacts to bites, so this is not a definitive sign. 
  • Blood Stains: Tiny blood stains on sheets or pillowcases can indicate bed bug feeding. 
  • Fecal Spots: Small, dark spots (about the size of a pinhead) on mattresses, sheets, or walls are bed bug excrement. 
  • Eggs and Shells: Bed bug eggs are tiny, white, and about 1 mm in size. You might also find shed skins from nymphs. 
  • Odor: A large infestation can produce a musty, sweet smell due to bed bug pheromones. 

Places to Look 

Bed bugs prefer to stay close to their food source but will travel if necessary. Check these common hiding spots: 

  • Mattresses and Box Springs: Inspect seams, tags, and underneath. 
  • Bed Frames and Headboards: Look in joints and crevices. 
  • Furniture: Examine cushions, seams, and zippers. 
  • Baseboards and Wall Cracks: Check for tiny cracks in walls and behind baseboards. 
  • Electrical Outlets and Picture Frames: Inspect behind these areas. 

Preventing Infestations 

  • Regular Inspections: Frequently check sleeping areas and furniture for signs of bed bugs. 
  • Reduce Clutter: Clutter provides hiding places for bed bugs. 
  • Use Protective Covers: Encase mattresses and box springs. 
  • Be Cautious with Secondhand Furniture: Inspect used furniture carefully before bringing it into your home. 
  • Travel Smart: When staying in hotels, check the bed and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Keep luggage off the floor and bed. 

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, act quickly. Are you located in Southwest Florida? Contact us for a thorough inspection and effective treatment. Our experienced technicians use the latest methods and technology to ensure your home is bed bug-free. What bugs you, bugs us! 

DIY Pest Control – Why This Isn’t the Solution

Posted on by Annie Quinn

Saving money does sound nice but does saving money that never rids of a bug issue, still sound as appealing? The phrase, “You get what you pay for”, speaks volumes when it comes to Do It Yourself (DIY) pest control in Florida. If you are doing your own treatments at home, are you noticing the issue temporarily goes away but soon enough, you see the same problem come back? That is not unusual for DIY pest control and we are here to tell you why.

Why shouldn’t I do DIY pest control at my home?

  1. Very Short Term Resolution – Over the counter products can be deceiving. If you spray over the counter products at your home, it will help kill the insects that are sprayed directly, however, it does not allow for long lasting results.
  2. Never Treat the Root Cause – DIY pest control products will not treat the source of the pest problem which is why it is so common for the issues to remain active at your household.
  3. Health risks – Mixing different pest chemicals poses a great risk to your health and the environment. Contact our licensed professionals for safe and effective pest solutions.
  4. Wash Away – Many over the counter pest products used on the exterior of the home will immediately stop working once it makes contact with rain or water. Whereas the products we use, will bring long lasting results rain or shine, once the application is dry – our products will even uphold during a pressure wash!
  5. Mistaken Identity – It is possible that you believe you have an ant problem but instead are dealing with a termite issue. This makes a huge difference as one can eat away at your home versus the other that will infiltrate your home for food.
  6. No Guarantee – There is never a guarantee with DIY pest control, especially when using over the count products. With Infinite, we will guarantee your satisfaction and include follow up service requests, if needed.

Be sure to take the proper precautions if you are taking on the task of doing your own pest control. If you are not sure the issues you are dealing with and/or do not know the type of insect you are attempting to target, it’s always best to contact Infinite Pest Solutions for an inspection. Our trained and licensed professionals will be able to bring you the expertise and solutions that you need!