bedbugs treatment

What are bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, nocturnal insects that have become a persistent pest in homes, hotels, and other properties where people sleep. Adult bed bugs are reddish brown in colour, oval-shaped, and measure about 4–5 mm in length, making them just large enough to spot with the naked eye. These pests are wingless and have a flattened body, which allows them to hide easily in cracks, crevices, and seams of beds, mattresses, and furniture. Bed bugs feed exclusively on human blood, typically emerging at night to bite exposed areas of skin while people sleep. Attracted by the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by humans, bed bugs use specialised mouthparts to pierce the skin and draw blood, often without the host noticing at the time. Their bites can cause irritation and discomfort, and while bed bugs do not transmit diseases, their presence can lead to significant stress and loss of sleep. Remarkably, bed bugs can survive for long periods, up to a year, without feeding, especially in cooler temperatures, making them a challenging pest to eliminate once they have infested a property.

how to remove bedbugs

The process of treating a bed bug infestation involves a thorough inspection, preparation of the room, targeted treatment of all affected areas, and follow-up to ensure complete eradication. Traditional treatments often relied on chemicals, but modern methods avoid harmful chemicals to ensure the safety of residents and pets.

Bedbug infestations are a notoriously difficult problem to eradicate, but with a comprehensive process and proper treatment of all affected areas, it is possible to rid properties of bed bugs quickly and efficiently. Some infestations can even be eliminated in just one treatment with a thorough approach. All treated areas must be addressed to ensure complete eradication and the safety of both residents and pets. Reasons for infestation can include unwittingly bringing back infested luggage after staying in infested premises, such as hotels, or can commonly be introduced when untreated second-hand furniture, which is infested, is introduced into the dwelling.

Control and Prevention

Effective bed bug control and prevention require a thorough and strategic approach. The first line of defence is early detection. Look for telltale signs, such as small blood spots on mattresses, shed skins, and a sweet, sickly odour in bedrooms and other areas where people rest. To eliminate bed bugs, professional pest control services often recommend heat treatment, as bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive at high temperatures. It is crucial to treat all potential hiding places, including beds, bedding, mattresses, furniture, and even skirting boards, to ensure complete bed bug removal. A discreet service is important to prevent the spread of bed bugs to other rooms or neighbouring properties. Seeking expert advice from a pest control professional can help you develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of your property and ensures the infestation is entirely eradicated. Preventative steps include reducing clutter, using mattress encasements, and carefully inspecting any second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home. Regular monitoring and prompt action at the first sign of bed bugs can significantly reduce the risk of a widespread infestation, helping to protect your property and restore your peace of mind.

signs of a bedbug infestation

  • Dark/black stains – excreta on mattress and bedding from bed bugs.
  • Sweet scent – A sweet and sickly unpleasant odour.
  • Small dark spots – spots on bedding known as ‘faecal pellets’ look like small blood spots.
  • Live insects – It is possible to spot live bed bugs and their shed skins despite being small (adults are only 4-5mm long)
  • Check bed frames, walls, and infested furniture for signs of bed bugs.
  • Inspect the room thoroughly, including all sleeping and living areas, for evidence of bed bugs.
  • Check clothing for signs of bed bugs, especially after travel.
  • Monitor pets for signs of bed bugs and inspect their bedding regularly.