As bed bugs swarm the news, UF/IFAS experts are available to inform about prevention, treatments 

Summer has officially arrived, marking the start of vacation season. As you start making reservations for your rentals – whether you are vacationing in Florida or packing your bags for an out-of-state adventure – bed bugs are looking for their own accommodations to host their stay. 

A recent headline from the pest control industry ranked the worst cities for bed bug infestations across the United States. While no Florida cities made the top 10, some regions did rank among the top 50, including the Tampa Bay area, Central Florida, and South Florida. 

University of Florida scientists are available to provide expert commentary and context on recognizing, preventing, and managing bed bug infestations. UF/IFAS experts, including Faith Oi, a world-renowned UF/IFAS urban entomologist and the director of UF/IFAS Pest Management University, and Johnalyn Gordon, assistant professor of entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, are available to share their science-based knowledge and practical tips to help the public stay bed bug-free.

Key Points:

Understanding Bed Bugs:

• • Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that thrive indoors, especially in homes and apartments.
  • They feed on humans and pets, causing discomfort and potentially leading to severe health issues, such as anemia.
  • Bed bugs go through five stages, from tiny eggs to nymphs and adults, making them difficult to identify and control.

Prevention Tips:

• Spend a few minutes inspecting overnight accommodations for signs of bed bugs.
• Keep items off carpeted areas and sofas, and inspect luggage and personal items before bringing them into your home.
• Place clothing and items in a dryer on high heat for 20 to 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs.
• For good measure, this News IFAS blog, available in both English and Spanish, offers valuable insights.

Debunking Myths:

• Foggers are generally ineffective against bed bugs.

• The use of mattress encasements are ineffective.
• A bed bug infestation can be diagnosed from bites alone. 

ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human, and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries and all Florida residents. 

For more information, go to ifas.ufl.edu.