Everyone has heard the traditional night time proverb, “don’t let the bed bugs bite” but there are some who have experienced first-hand the frustration caused by these tenacious critters!
These small, brown, blood-sucking insects tend to hide in the crevices of beds and other furniture and their bite, though largely harmless, can cause redness and irritation. However, some people experience a much worse reaction and a visit to the GP may be required. Though these pests don’t carry any diseases, they do spread quickly, and if they are found in one room then all other rooms in the house should be checked for them urgently.
Signs of infestation
The most obvious sign is of course the insects themselves, but you may have to flip your mattress and strip your bed linen to see them though. As mentioned, little red bites found typically on the arms or shoulders can be a sign of bed bugs. Another sign which is often dismissed as nothing more than mould is little black dots around the bed frame or on the mattress itself.
Prevention is the best cure!
There is a common misconception that bed bugs only take up residence in dirty or untidy houses, which is not true at all; they are not fussy. Whether a house is a tip or a palace, they don’t care.
If you are moving house, then check your new accommodation for signs of bed bugs and if you suspect that there is a problem then inform your landlord or letting agent. In addition to this, try to avoid taking used furniture and if you do, be sure to check it before putting it into your home.
Also, if you stay somewhere that has a bed bug infestation, then check your clothes and luggage for eggs and insects when you get home. To be sure and to remove any eggs you may have missed then wash your clothing or bedding at around 60 degrees and tumble-dry for about 30 minutes; this should destroy any eggs or insects.
What can you do?
If you do discover evidence of bed bugs, there are a few things you can do to beat them back!
- You can spray the affected area with rubbing alcohol. This will kill off any eggs which may have been laid and deter any bed bugs still loitering around.
- A rigorous vacuum session can actually do a lot to clear up an infestation; you must be sure to get every nook and cranny though.
- Alternatively, you can just bin the bed clothes or seat covers. It will be problem solved, but this is a drastic course of action.
By far the best way to get rid of bed bugs is to call in the professionals. Since bed bugs are very hardy, any methods you employ by yourself may only provide a temporary fix. Here at Empire Pest Control we have all the necessary training and equipment to get rid of these pests quickly and effectively.
We operate all across London and the South East, so if you are in need of immediate bed bug control then get in touch ASAP; we will be round as quickly as possible to assess and deal with the problem!
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