Pest Control 101: What to Expect, What’s Covered, How to Prepare

Posted on by Lauren Daley
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Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 homes in the United States experience some form of pest infestation annually? Pests not only damage property but also pose health risks to your family.  If you’ve never had professional pest control before, it’s normal to have questions. Homeowners often ask what pest control actually includes, what happens during the first visit, and whether they need to do anything ahead of time.

The good news is that pest control doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding how it works can help you get better results and feel more confident about the process.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know before your service.

How Do I Prepare My House for Pest Control?

In most cases, preparation is minimal. Pest control works best when technicians can easily access the areas pests are most active. For specific pests like German cockroaches, cleanliness is essential for successful elimination. Ensure that pantry areas are free of food debris, spills, and clutter, as this helps treatments work more effectively. You can learn more about what homeowners can do here like german roaches.

While deep cleaning your entire home isn’t needed prior to a service, a quick tidy-up makes it easier for treatments to reach the right areas and helps ensure nothing blocks access to key entry points.

Before your appointment, it helps to:

  • Clear clutter away from baseboards to allow technicians full access for treatment
  • Secure pets and let the technician know if you have any concerns
  • Take note of where you’ve seen pest activity so you can point it out
  • Take photos of pests you have concerns about so a technician can better identify 
  • Ensure counters are clear of crumbs and debris in the event bait is needed

What Are Common Pest Control Services?

Typical pest control services address a range of common pests. Regular maintenance visits include inspections to catch early signs of infestation and preventive treatments to keep pests at bay year-round. Some of the most common services Infinite Pest Solutions include are:

What Does Normal Pest Control Cover?

General pest control typically covers the pests homeowners encounter most often. This usually includes:

  • Ghost ants 
  • Fire ants 
  • Big headed ants 
  • Carpenter ants 
  • White footed ants 
  • Odorous ants 
  • Argentine ants 
  • Palmetto Cockroaches 
  • Wasps/Hornets 
  • Centipedes 
  • Millipedes  
  • Silver fish 
  • Spiders 
  • Earwigs 
  • Crickets  
  • Sow bugs 

These services focus on treating entry points, nesting areas, exterior foundation, and high-traffic pest zones around the home such as soffits. The goal is to rid of what exists around the home and keep a protective barrier around the exterior of the home to prevent any new pests.

What Does Pest Control Do on a First Visit?

The initial visit is one of the most important parts of pest control. This is when the technician will perform a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior to assess pest activity and identify entry points. Following this, the technician will present a tailored treatment plan addressing your home’s specific needs. 

The initial treatment involves barrier applications outside, an interior application, crack and crevice treatments, and removal of wasps/hornets nests or webs. Ongoing maintenance and follow-up visits help to ensure pest-free results especially in warm and humid climates where pests stay active year-round.

Why Ongoing Pest Control Matters

Many pests don’t disappear after a single treatment. Ant colonies, spider populations, and other infestations often rebuild especially if conditions remain favorable.

Routine pest control helps:

  • Keep pests from returning
  • Prevent new activity 
  • Maintain a protective barrier around your home
  • Eliminate the source of reproduction

Preparing for pest control doesn’t have to be stressful, and knowing what to expect makes the process smoother from the start. From understanding what’s covered to knowing what happens on the first visit, a little information goes a long way.

At Infinite Pest Solutions, we know that professional pest control is about more than just removing pests, it’s about protecting your home, preventing future issues, and giving you peace of mind. Get a free quote today!

Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs
Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:

Can You See Bed Bugs With the Naked Eye?

Posted on by Lauren Daley
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Yes, you can see bed bugs with the naked eye, but that doesn’t always make them easy to detect. One of the first questions people ask when they suspect an issue is whether bed bugs are actually visible—or if they’re too small to notice. Understanding what bed bugs look like and where they hide can help you identify a problem early and take action quickly.

Signs of Bed Bugs Beyond Seeing Them

Many infestations are discovered not by seeing a live bed bug, but by noticing other warning signs.

Common indicators include:

  • Small, rust-colored stains on bedding or mattresses
  • Tiny white eggs or shed skins
  • A musty or sweet odor in heavily infested areas
  • Unexplained bites, often in clusters or lines

Why Bed Bugs Are Often Missed?

Despite being visible, bed bugs are frequently overlooked due to their size, hiding behavior, and ability to blend into furniture and bedding. Early infestations may involve only a few bugs, making them especially difficult to spot without experience.

In Florida, frequent travel, hotels, apartments, and shared spaces increase the risk of bed bugs being introduced into homes without immediate detection.

Professional Bed Bug Inspections with Infinite Pest Solutions

We understand how overwhelming bed bug concerns can be. Our professional inspections are designed to identify bed bugs at all life stages, even when they’re difficult to see.

Our bed bug services focus on:

  • Thorough inspections of common hiding areas
  • Accurate identification of bed bug activity
  • Targeted treatment plans designed for effective elimination
  • Clear guidance on preparation and prevention

If you suspect bed bugs or want peace of mind, Infinite Pest Solutions is here to help. Early detection and professional treatment are key to stopping bed bugs before they spread.

Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs
Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:

How to Find Hidden Bugs in Your Home

Posted on by Lauren Daley
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Just because you don’t see bugs right away doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Bugs can be great at staying out of sight, which is why many homeowners don’t realize there’s an issue until it becomes more noticeable. That’s why it is crucial to know where to look and what signs to watch out for so that you catch a problem in the early stages.

Bed bugs are typically found in bedrooms on the mattress, behind wall hangings, lamp shades, and other crevices.

Common Places Bugs Like to Hide

Pests often look for quiet areas where they can stay undisturbed, warm, and close to a food source. Some of the most common hiding spots include:

• Under sinks and behind plumbing
• Inside cabinets and pantries
• Along baseboards and behind furniture
• In garages, attics, and laundry rooms

Signs You May Have Hidden Bugs

If you notice an increase in bug activity at night, especially in kitchens or bathrooms where food and moisture are present. Even if pests aren’t visible, they often leave behind signs of activity happening out of sight like:

• Droppings or shed skins
• Damage to food packaging or paper products
• Greasy marks along walls or baseboards
• Unusual or musty odors

Pantry pests are very tiny and some can look almost translucent. Be sure to keep a close eye on your flour, sugar, rice, and other pantry items.

Always Check the Outside Perimeter

The condition of the exterior of your home can often lead to an indoor pest problem. Making sure that these areas are well maintained helps to reduce the chance of pests making their way inside. Be sure to check for:

• Gaps around doors and windows
• Standing water near the home
• Overgrown plants touching the structure

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If you continue noticing signs of pests or aren’t sure where they’re coming from, that is the time to call a professional. Our skilled technicians can easily identify hidden activity and help to protect your home long term. What bugs you, bugs us!

Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs
Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:

Most Common Pest Control Questions

Posted on by Lauren Daley
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Finding pests in your home can be unpleasant, but it’s also very common. Learning to understand how pests behave, what attracts them, and how quickly they can become a problem is key to protecting your home. Below we’re answering some of the most common pest control questions as well as clearing up common misconceptions.

What Is the Hardest Pest to Get Rid Of?

Some pests are more challenging to get rid of than others, but cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, and rodents are often at the top of the list. These pests reproduce quickly, hide well, and can survive in hard-to-reach areas. Proper treatment and prevention is essential to limit an infestation.

What Is the Most Common House Pest?

Some of the most common household pests that you can expect to see in your home are ants, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents. In Florida, ants and roaches tend to be especially common due to warm temperatures and humidity that allow them to thrive all year. Homes with pool cages are especially attractive to spiders, and spider control is essential for keeping them from coming back.

Why Should You Never Squish a Roach?

Squishing a cockroach can actually make things worse. Some roaches carry egg cases or bacteria that can spread when crushed. This can contaminate surfaces and, in some cases, contribute to further infestation rather than solving the problem.

Why Am I Getting Roaches If My House Is Clean?

Having a clean home helps to reduce pest activity, but it’s not a complete deterrent. Roaches are attracted to moisture, warmth, and shelter just as much as food. Leaky pipes, cluttered storage areas, or entry points around doors and windows can attract them to your home even if it is spotless.

Why Do I Have Ants If My House Is Clean?

Ants are persistent and highly organized creatures. They often enter homes searching for water or following scent trails laid by other ants. Tiny small crumbs, pet food, or moisture sources can be enough to attract them into your home regardless of how clean it is.

Why Am I Getting Bugs in the Winter?

Bugs don’t disappear in colder months, they look for shelter. As the temperature drops, many pests move indoors to escape the cold, making the winter a common time for increased indoor pest activity.

Why Are Bugs Worse at Night?

Many pests are nocturnal, which means that they are more active at night when it’s quieter and darker. This is why homeowners typically notice cockroaches, spiders, and other insects after dark as they emerge searching for food.

Why Do Bugs Come Inside When It Rains?

Heavy rain can flood pest nesting areas and force bugs to seek dry shelter. Homes provide warmth and protection, making them an easy refuge during wet weather. As a result, pest activity indoors often increases after periods of heavy rain.

How Fast Can a Pest Infestation Spread?

Infestations can grow faster than most people realize. Some pests reproduce every few weeks, meaning a small issue can turn into a major problem in a short amount of time if left untreated.

Can Pests Cause Health Problems?

Yes, absolutely. Many pests carry bacteria, allergens, and pathogens that can affect indoor air quality and health. Cockroaches, rodents like rats and mice, and some insects can trigger allergies, asthma symptoms, and contamination of food and surfaces.

How Do Pests Get Into a House in the First Place?

Pests usually enter through small cracks, gaps around doors and windows, vents, plumbing lines, and even through items brought inside. Once they find food, water, or shelter, they’ll settle in and won’t leave on their own.

How Much Is Pest Control Service Per Month?

Pest control service costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of pest, the level of activity, the size of the home, and the frequency of how many treatments are needed.

How Much Do Pest Services Cost?

The cost of pest services depends on several variables, including whether treatment is preventative or to treat an infestation, the specific pests involved, and the treatment approach used. The best value comes from thorough, long-term protection—not a quick spray.

Pests are a common issue for homeowners, but understanding why pests enter your home is important, but stopping them often requires more than DIY solutions. Professional pest control helps identify entry points, target active infestations, and prevent future issues before they escalate. Routine pest control services provide peace of mind and help keep your home protected, comfortable, and pest-free year-round.

Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:
Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs

What Is the Main Cause of Bed Bugs?

Posted on by Annie Quinn
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Bed bugs don’t appear out of nowhere. In almost every case, bed bugs are introduced into a home, not created there. Understanding how they enter your home is the first step to stopping an infestation before it spreads.

how do you check for bed bugs

What are Bed Bugs?

A bed bug is a small, flat, reddish-brown insect that feeds on human blood. They are nocturnal pests that will have you itching by morning.

Why Do Bed Bugs Spread So Easily?

One of the biggest reasons infestations worsen is delayed treatment. Many people assume bites are from mosquitoes, allergies, or spiders and wait weeks before taking action.

Bed bugs are small, flat, and excellent at hiding. They don’t need food crumbs or unsanitary conditions to survive, they only need access to people. Once inside a home, they hide in mattress seams, furniture joints, baseboards, and cracks, often going unnoticed until the population grows.

The Real Risk Aren’t the Bites, It’s the Infestation

While bed bug bites are uncomfortable and itchy, the bigger issue is how quickly bed bugs multiply and spread throughout a home. It is important that people know how to check for bed bugs, in order to see the magnitude of the infestation. The longer they go untreated, the more rooms they invade and the more extensive treatment becomes.

The Most Common Cause is Hitchhiking

The number one cause of infestations is bed bugs being carried in from somewhere else. They are expert hitchhikers, meaning they’ll latch on to you from one location to the next. Hiding in luggage, clothing, purses, backpacks, furniture, and even electronics. Once they find a new place to hide, they settle in quickly.

Customers are often surprised to learn that bed bugs don’t come from poor hygiene or unclean living conditions, contrary to the common myth. They are just as likely to be found in a clean and well-maintained home as anywhere else.

Travel Is a Major Contributor

Travel is one of the most common ways bed bugs spread. Hotels, vacation rentals, cruise ships, airports, and public transportation all see high turnover of people and belongings. Even a short overnight stay can be enough for bed bugs to crawl into a suitcase and make their way back home.

Guests and Shared Spaces

Bed bugs can also be introduced by visitors in your home. Overnight guests, shared living spaces, and close contact in places like apartments, dorms, or multi-family housing increase the risk. Bed bugs move easily between units through walls, electrical outlets, and shared hallways, making early detection especially important.

Used Furniture and Belongings

Another common cause is secondhand furniture or items. Mattresses, couches, bed frames, and even nightstands can harbor bed bugs and their eggs. Without proper inspection, these items can introduce bed bugs directly into the home.

Why Professional Treatment Matters

Effective bed bug control requires more than surface treatments because DIY treatments don’t address the root cause. Bed bugs and their eggs are well hidden, and improper treatments can push them deeper into walls and furniture. Professional treatment focuses on identifying bed bugs as well as all harborage areas, eliminating active bugs, and interrupting the life cycle to prevent reinfestation, which is key to long-term control.

If you suspect bed bugs, acting quickly can prevent a small issue from turning into a major infestation. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and expert bed bug control in Southwest Florida and Orlando!

Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:
Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs

How To Check For Bed Bugs

Posted on by Annie Quinn
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Bed Bug Awareness Week may be over, but these tiny pests didn’t get the memo. The reality is, bed bugs are a year-round concern—and they don’t discriminate. Whether you’re in a hotel, on a flight, or relaxing in your own Florida home, bed bugs can strike when you least expect it.

At Infinite Pest Solutions, we believe prevention and education are key to staying ahead of an infestation. That’s why we’re spotlighting bed bug awareness long after the official campaign ends—because these pests are persistent, and so are we.

What You Should Know About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood—mostly while you sleep. They’re expert hitchhikers, often latching onto luggage, clothing, or furniture to make their way into your home. Once inside, they’re difficult to detect and even harder to eliminate without professional help.

Signs you may have a bed bug problem include:

  • Small, itchy bites in a line or cluster (especially on arms or legs)
  • Tiny rust-colored spots on sheets or mattress seams
  • A sweet, musty odor in heavily infested rooms
  • Shed skins or actual bugs hiding in hanging pictures, lamps, cracks and crevices besides the bed.

How to check for bed bugs:

  • Inspect mattress seams and box springs
  • Look behind headboards and inside nightstands
  • Check for small dark spots or shed skins
  • Use a flashlight to scan cracks and crevices
  • Contact us for an expert set of eyes

Think You’re Safe? Think Again.

Bed bugs aren’t just a problem for “dirty” places. They can be found in high-end resorts, college dorms, public transportation, and even hospitals. That’s why vigilance is critical—especially for frequent travelers or families with children who bring backpacks and gear home daily.

To see how easily bed bugs can invade your space, check out Bed Bugs Exposed: A Series Revealing How These Sneaky Pests Invade Your Home by the National Pest Management Association. It’s an eye-opening look at how fast and stealthily bed bugs operate.

How We Help

If you suspect bed bug activity or just want peace of mind, our team is ready with advanced detection and proven treatment plans. We know where they hide—and we know how to get rid of them.

Don’t wait until you’re losing sleep over bites and bugs. Contact Infinite Pest Solutions today to schedule a bed bug evaluation.

Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs
Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:

Types of Pests Found in Homes

Posted on by Annie Quinn
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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 pest control plan to get rid of the pests. What bugs you, bugs us!

Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:
Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Posted on by Annie Quinn
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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! 

Our Orlando Service Locations:
  • Orlando
  • Clermont
  • Apopka
  • Windermere
  • St. Cloud
  • Winter Garden
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Kissimmee
  • Sanford
  • Davenport
  • Oakland
  • Minneola
  • Lake Nona
  • Ocoee
  • Longwood
  • Lake Mary
  • Oviedo
  • Winter Park
  • Altamonte Springs
Our Southwest, FL Service Locations: