Blood Feeders
There are several types of pests that are considered blood feeders that can pose a serious risk to you and your pets. In SWFL, the most common types include bed bugs and cat and dog fleas. Infestations of bed bugs and/or fleas should be addressed immediately given their prolific nature and ability to spread diseases to humans and animals alike.
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More On These Common Blood Feeders
Our state is home to nearly 20 different kinds of ants. At APE Pest Control, we are dedicated to keeping you safe from each and every one! Our experts are here to share the most common ants you might see in or near your home year-round.
1. Bedbugs
The bed bug used to be a thing of the past, but has made a resurgence over the past few years. Hotels and apartment complexes are vulnerable to these insects due to the sheer number of people coming in and out of them. The bed bug is about the size of a small tick and feeds on human blood. If there is an infestation, bed bugs will seek shelter during the day in cracks and crevices and come out at night to feed. They can be found around mattress trim, boxsprings, bed coverings, bed frames, wall hangings, baseboards, behind loose wallpaper, light switches, etc. Small spots of blood can sometimes be found on the bed sheets. Proper treatment is key in controlling a bed bug infestation, as they can quickly spread to other areas of the building and become a much larger problem.
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2. Fleas
Fleas have a laterally flattened body and are wingless. They are brownish-black to black in color, but reddish-black when filled with blood. Fleas can jump about 6” vertically, so they are easily transported by pets, wild animals, or clothes. A flea problem can develop in homes where no pets are present if wild animals nest under or around the home. Fleas can carry diseases, so controlling their presence is important. The process is fairly extensive, requiring diligent vacuuming on the homeowner’s part and proper pesticide application by a professional.
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3. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are gray to black in color with 2 long narrow wings and a long proboscis or beak. They are of concern because of the deadly diseases that they can transmit to humans such as malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile. The use of insect repellants is quite effective in preventing mosquito bites. Mosquito larvae live in standing water, so emptying or eliminating containers that may hold water around your yard will greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes around the home.
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