ABC Blog

Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?

a bed bug on skin

Bed bugs are pests that can leave behind stains, skins and a sour odor. Some homeowners also worry that bed bugs can destroy their clothes. While bed bugs can travel on clothes and hide in laundry piles, they cannot actually bite through clothes.

However, bed bugs can still crawl under clothing to bite their hosts. It’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between bed bug bites and hives so that they can identify a bed bug infestation.

Bed bug bites also look and feel similar to no see um bites. Even though no see ums are flies, and these two insects are very different, their bites are similar. Keep reading to learn how to tell them apart and what you can do to control both pests.

Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?

Bed bugs can leave itchy bites on humans. However, it is a myth that they can chew through clothes. Bed bug … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Active at Night?

a mosquito on jeans

Few things beat an evening sitting out on the porch or lounging in the backyard while the kids play in the pool. Of course, one thing that can wreck your entire evening is mosquitoes. They seem to come out of nowhere just after sunset and can be relentless.

You may have noticed that if you go inside and return later when it’s dark, the mosquitoes aren’t nearly as bad. So if you came out even later, would they be gone? Many homeowners wonder, are these pests active all night, or do mosquitoes sleep like us?

Mosquitoes are Indeed Active at Night

The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t explain why they’re such a nuisance at dusk. If you’re in the habit of walking or porch-sitting at sunrise, you’ve probably noticed they’re awful then, too.

There are many species of mosquitoes. Some, like the common house mosquito, are much more common than others. Some … Read Full Post »

How To Deter Mosquitoes

a mosquito on skin

Warm and sunny days are perfect for beach trips, hikes, picnics and barbeques. Unfortunately, mosquitoes can ruin all the fun. These common, flying insects prefer to breed in hot and humid weather, feasting on human blood to create healthy eggs.

Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying, but that’s the least of your concerns. They transmit various diseases, some of which can be fatal to humans. That’s why you should protect yourself and your family from these pests.

To help you, here’s a guide on how to deter mosquitoes. If they’ve already taken over your property, you should contact a pest control professional to safeguard you and your family.

How to Prevent Indoor Mosquitoes

Your home should be a stress-free zone, but mosquitoes can destroy your peace. They are especially bothersome at night, buzzing around and biting when you’re trying to get some sleep. Here are steps to prevent indoor mosquitoes.

Fly Screens

Equip all your windows … Read Full Post »

Signs of a Few Bed Bugs Versus an Infestation

a bed bug on skin

If you have ever woken up with itchy, red bumps on your skin, you might write it off at first. But if the bites continue or you receive a lot of the bites at once, your thoughts might turn to bed bugs as the cause. Anyone can suffer from a bed bug infestation, no matter how clean they keep themselves and their home.

Bed bugs are parasites that rely on the blood of human or animal hosts for the food they need to survive. You can get the bites anywhere on your body. However, you are most likely to be bitten anywhere your skin is exposed while sleeping, such as on your arms, back, face, neck and legs.

It can be hard to tell the difference between flea or spider bites versus bed bug bites. Generally, the bites will have a dark red center and a small blister in the center. and … Read Full Post »

Rodents in Florida: Identification & Control Guide

mouse peeking from dirt hole

Florida is home to a variety of rodent species, including rats, mice, squirrels and others. It’s valuable for Florida homeowners to learn how to identify the different types of rodents they may encounter.

Some rodents in Florida, such as house mice, roof rats and Norway rats are more commonly found indoors than others. Noticing the signs of these rodents can help homeowners catch an infestation before it can get out of control.

It’s also important to know about the appearance, habits and diet of Florida rodents. Rats and mice are excellent climbers, swimmers and jumpers and can make their homes in a variety of locations in your house.

Finally, learn simple ways to deter mice and rats from entering your home. If you already have an infestation, call a pest control specialist today.

Types of Rodents in Florida

Several types of rodents call Florida home, and it isn’t limited to mice and rats. Here are … Read Full Post »

Do Bed Bugs Have Wings?

two bed bugs

Do bed bugs have wings? This is a question people often ask pest control professionals when they find a bug in the bed. Bed bugs do not have wings. If you find a winged insect in your bedroom, it may be a carpet beetle or something else. But, if you find a wingless bug, it may be a bed bug.

Bed bugs are a serious issue, so it’s smart to learn what these pests look like. They are notoriously hard to get rid of. If you suspect you may have an infestation, you need to have it dealt with quickly. For that to happen, you need to know how to identify these pests to determine the right way to get rid of them.

Fortunately, experienced pest control specialists know exactly how to identify bed bugs, along with any other pests that might find their way into your bedroom. It’s important to note … Read Full Post »

Signs of a German Roach Infestation

a german cockroach

German cockroaches are one of the most common types of roaches, and you can identify the small, penny-sized insects by their elongated shape, light caramel brown color and two black stripes that run along their shell-like top covering. They have a full set of wings, but they do not fly.

This roach variety doesn’t sneak into homes and other buildings from the outside, like their American cockroach cousins. They spend most of their lives hanging out in places that keep them close to sources of food and water. They spread through multi-unit dwellings such as apartment buildings by traveling through the spaces in between the apartments or business suites, always seeking food and water. Restaurants and hotels also see their fair share of these unwanted visitors. Homeowners can accidentally bring these pests home with them from a multitude of locations. Unfortunately, just one or two German cockroaches can quickly turn into … Read Full Post »

The Different Types of Ticks in Florida

a tick on a leaf

Ticks are a common pest in Florida, especially during the warm summer months. There are several varieties of these unwanted visitors. Some types of ticks thrive in Florida more than others, and it’s important to know the differences so you can get rid of an infestation right away.

Certain types of ticks, like American dog ticks, prefer to feed off of animals, while others love humans. Some only survive outdoors while others thrive inside your home. Knowing the appearance and habits of ticks will help you identify them before you have a full-blown infestation.

There are several precautions you can take to avoid ticks, like wearing appropriate clothing and patching up cracks in your doors. When you see ticks on your property, in your home or on your pets, you need to remove them immediately, especially because most homeowners don’t know how long ticks can live in a house.

Most ticks carry harmful … Read Full Post »

What Does Bat Poop Look Like?

bat poop

Even if your favorite superhero wears a black cape and cowl, evidence of bats on your property can be terrifying. You may be worried that bats may have moved into your yard or even your home. Homeowners across the country deal with bats.

Bat control can be challenging as there are safety and legal concerns with bats. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to protect the health and wellbeing of your family (as well as the bats).

Keep reading to discover what bat poop looks like, where you may find it, and other common signs of bat activity. In addition to tips about how to inspect your property for bats, you will learn more about how to get rid of bats in your attic. Equipped with information about when bats have babies, you will know how to deal with bats safely and ethically.

If you do not feel comfortable taking care … Read Full Post »

How To Know if You Have Bed Bugs

a bed bug crawling on a finger

So you’ve woken up covered in itchy, red bites. Or maybe you simply have suspicious-looking red spots on your skin that aren’t itchy—yet. Could you have a bed bug problem? Most people live in fear of bed bugs, which is understandable. Once they infest an area, these pests are notoriously hard to eliminate. Learning how to know if you have bed bugs will help you determine what’s going on. Then, if you do have a bed bug problem, you can decide on the best way to get rid of them.

The first sign of bed bugs that most people notice is small, red, itchy bites on the skin. These bites typically show up in the morning, since bed bugs are nocturnal. This means they are most active at night, under the cover of darkness. Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other animals. They take advantage of our nighttime … Read Full Post »