How to get rid of bed bugs
If you think you have bed bugs in your home you’ll want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. They are found all over the world and as they cannot fly they have to crawl or be transported by a host, usually on clothing, in luggage or other places they can hide.
Getting rid of bed bugs is very difficult, and if not treated properly they will return. This is why it’s important to call in a professional pest controller like Masons Pest Control.
Signs of a bed bug infestation
The first sign of an infestation are blood stains found on bed sheets, this could be either from bites or from crushed bugs. Dark black stains and spots on bedding could be bed bug excrement, eggshells and shed skin. You may also notice a sweet, sickly smell.
As bed bugs are nocturnal insects they will only feed from the host while they are asleep. The bites caused by the bugs appear as red spots on our skin, and these usually appear on the arms upper body or torso. They can cause itching which lasts for a few hours.
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are flat oval insects. They are about 6mm long and a reddish-brown colour, although this can change to a dark mahogany after they’ve eaten. Newly hatched bed bugs are colourless. These pests are known as parasites because they prefer to feed on human blood, as well as other warm blooded animals like rodents, birds and pets.
Because of their flat body shape, bed bugs can hide in structural cracks and crevices around the home. They can also be found tucked away in mattresses, bed frames, skirting boards and light fittings. Bed bugs can usually be found in bedrooms and sleeping areas because they are attracted to the ready meals they find there, as well as our body heat and carbon dioxide from our breath.
Scientific name:
Cimicidae
Life span
The life span of a bed bug is usually between four and six months.
Did you know
Bed bugs can live for several months without food and water.
How to prevent a bed bug infestation
Be careful when buying second hand furniture or beds, always check them for signs of an infestation before bringing them into your home. If you think you may have brought bed bugs home with you from holiday then unpack your luggage outside and wash your clothes separately to other laundry in the hottest wash possible that won’t damage the material, or you can take clothes to the dry cleaner. Vacuum your luggage outside making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies where any unwanted hitchhikers might hide. Freezing kills bed bugs so if possible place items like books in the freezer for 24 hours.
Bed bugs are resistant to most over-the-counter treatments and they are also very good at hiding. The good news is that a professional pest control company can get rid of your bed bug infestation quickly and safely, and usually with a single visit.
How to get rid of bed bugs
Follow these steps to make your bed bug treatment as effective as possible:
- Clear all personal items from drawers, shelves, wardrobes etc and store in bin liners.
- Remove all bedding from beds.
- Vacuum the floor and empty the cleaner straight into a dustbin or change the bag.
- People and domestic pets must leave the rooms being treated and not return for four to five hours. Cover fish tanks and all electrical appliances.
- Do not vacuum the carpets or clean the treated area for at least 14 days to allow the insecticide to work.
- The products used carry on working for some weeks and we will schedule a re-visit two to three weeks after the initial visit.
- Please read our terms and conditions before any visit.