Pest control: Don't let the bed bugs bite!
Tuesday, 23 November 2010 12:46 PM
With experts around the world warning of an increasing problem with bed bugs, homeowners need to be on the lookout – and know how to rid themselves of an infestation.
A recent survey of pest control firms around the world, conducted by the University of Kentucky and the US National Pest Management Association (NPMA), revealed that the problem of bed bugs is worsening on a global scale.
"The results of the global study suggest that we are on the threshold of a bedbug pandemic, not just in the United States, but around the world," declared Missy Henriksen, vice-president of public affairs for the NPMA.
Luckily, there are simple steps which homeowners and landlords can take to ensure that sleeping areas are not infested with bed bugs. The starting point is knowing how to identify the problem. Then comes the issue of tackling the pest. By taking measures to prevent further infestations, you'll be able to sleep easily at night, safe from those unwelcome visitors.
How to identify an infestation of bed bugs
The first symptoms most people experience are large, red bites. They're incredibly itchy and they can appear on any part of the body. These tell-tale signs should never be ignored – dismissing them as harmless insect bites will help nobody. The problem will only get worse as the bed bugs multiply.
It is also good practice, particularly when viewing a furnished property to rent, to inspect mattresses up close. Small black dots around the seams may well be bed bug faecal matter. Their eggs are also a giveaway – they look like small, elongated grains of rice.
You can stay vigilant by regularly checking bed linen for red spots, which often result from bed bugs' appetite for human blood.
Getting rid of bed bugs
Most experts agree that the best way to rid your property of bed bugs is to attack the pests early, before they have a chance to multiply. This is why regular checks are so important.
Minor infestations can sometimes be treated with a thorough steam clean or a hot wash of all your bedding, but this won't always be enough to kill the little beasties. Bed bugs' eggs are able to withstand temperatures greater than 40C, so it is generally advisable to call in pest control, who should be able to eliminate the problem without too much trouble.
How to prevent future bed bug infestations
There is no failsafe way to prevent beg bugs invading: they have increasingly jetset aspirations and your spending a night in a hotel, or even five minutes in a taxi, could give them the chance to travel onto your clothing or bag and then into your bed.
However, avoiding second-hand bedding and mattresses will certainly help reduce your chances of getting bed bugs.
It is also important to keep your bedroom clutter-free. If you have piles of disorganised junk stowed under your bed, thick heaps of dust are likely to create the perfect nesting place for bed bugs.
Remember: do not wait to report a problem. Nip an infestation in the bud before it gets out of hand – call a pest control specialist in as soon as you sense an invasion.
