The occurrence of Bed Bug or Bedbug infestations is increasing steadily, dwellings can become infested with bedbugs in a variety of ways.
Their presence may have a number of negative effects on our health, including skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms.
Diagnosis involves both finding bed bugs and the occurrence of compatible symptoms. Treatment is otherwise symptomatic
Bedbugs find there way into homes, hotels and guest houses in many ways but the following are the most common:
- from Bedbugs and eggs that “hitch hiked in” on visitors clothing and luggage,
- from infested second hand items (e.g., furniture, bedding, toys, clothes) brought in,
- from a nearby house or dwelling or infested item, if there are easy routes, or
- from wild animals (e.g. bats, birds,) and pet cats and dogs.
Eradication of bed bugs is time consuming and cannot be completed without the cooperation of the householder, as a successful treatment will frequently require a combination of pesticide and non pesticide approaches.
BEFORE WE START ANY BEDBUG TREATMENT WE ASK THE CLIENT TO READ THROUGH A CHECKLIST TO ENSURE THEY KNOW THEIR ROLE IN THE BEDBUG TREATMENT.
WHAT ARE BED BUGS?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small blood-sucking parasitic insects that when introduced can live in cracks, crevices and small gaps in and around our beds.
Attracted by our carbon dioxide emissions and body heat, bed bugs come out at night to bite your exposed skin and feed on your blood.
Skin reactions to bed bug bites aren’t always raised weals or obvious marks, some people will develop itchy red bumps one to nine days later, usually on the face, neck, hand or arm. Bed bug bites are often in straight lines.
DO YOU HAVE BED BUGS?
Bed bugs are elusive parasites and usually nocturnal, which can make their detection difficult. They often lodge in tight cracks and crevices, and their tiny adhesive eggs can be nestled by the hundreds in fabric seams.
Aside from bite symptoms, signs include faecal spots (small dark sand-like droppings that occur in patches around and especially beneath nests), blood smears on sheets (from where you may of squished one whilst turning over), and the presence of their empty moulted exoskeletons.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Our team of BPCA certified technicians will call and carry out a thorough bedbug survey of the bed bug infested area and adjacent high-risk areas. We will then give advice and run through the bed bug treatments available.
Successful removal of bed bugs is a team effort with the householder or business playing a major part in the containment of the bed bugs and laundering of all infested clothing etc.
We will of course be there to guide you through the process and offer advice as we progress.
Check out how bad it can get if you try and live with a bed bug infestation in your home, hotel, bed and breakfast or care home.
