‘Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite.’
This little nursery rhyme has never been so true as the UK faces a battle against these blood-sucking insects.
According to the Daily Mail, British tourists travelling overseas have been branded as the cause of a significant rise in the number of bed bug infestations. London has been called one of the most susceptible areas in the UK.
Experts claim that those hopping overseas to visit locations such as South America and Asia have aided infestations by passing on the bugs during their travels.
There is a reported increase of “108 per cent” in pest control specialists being called out to deal with the growing issue.
With an insect-human war on our hands, what can we do to treat and even prevent bedbugs from paying a visit to our cosy homes? First and foremost, you should know your enemy.
In this blog post, Empire Pest Control will take a look at bed bugs and what to do if you suspect you have an infestation.
What are Bed Bugs?
5mm long and equipped with flat bodies to streamline their ‘working day’, bed bugs are small insects that feast on blood. Following the meal, they will usually turn a shade of black. Though they are often perceived as all brown, they turn white once they have shed their outer layer of skin (or moulted).
Generally speaking, bed bugs won’t nest too far away from their host. This means anywhere from under your mattress to the tiny crack in the wall could be concealing an infestation.
Bed bugs also don’t have to feast every day. They can survive for up to a year without a blood meal. This means that your spare room may not be completely bug-free.
Lastly, a common misconception about bed bugs is that only unhygienic rooms will be susceptible to an infestation. As the dirt doesn’t lure bed bugs, this myth can be debunked. However, it does mean that even the cleanest of rooms could be vulnerable.
What’s the harm?
Although bed bugs aren’t a risk in terms of transmitted diseases, they can leave itchy bumps behind. While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, there is a risk of an affected individual having a serious allergic reaction that may require medical attention.
They also multiply quickly. This means that if you choose to ignore the problem for too long, you will find yourself with a flood of unwanted guests before you know it. For more information on bed bugs, click here.
How do I get rid of Bed Bugs?
If you suspect you may have an infestation or you’ve found evidence such as faecal marks on your bedspread, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals.
Here at Empire Pest Control, we specialise in pest control and operate in the London area. We can provide your home with safe, adequate treatment to eliminate existing pests and provide you with advice on how to keep the bugs out at night.
Please get in touch for more information or see the rest of our blog for news.
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