Bed bugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding, and you don’t have to have a dirty home to get bed bugs. Some experts called them “hitchhikers” as they move very quickly and can infest your home. Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control about the most effective methods to get rid of bed bugs.
What are bed bugs?
Rentokil revealed: “Bed Bugs are small, flat oval insects that grow to about five millimetres in length, about the size of an apple seed. They have a brownish body, that after feeding will become a red colour.
“Bedbugs feed on the blood of humans and animals and most commonly at night, making them nasty house guests if they do find their way into your home or property.”
Where do bed bugs live?
Paul said: “Despite their name, bed bugs are not restricted to the bed and can also hide in other cracks and crevices around the bedroom such as cupboards and carpets.
“They will also take shelter in soft furnishings like sofas, curtains, chairs, and even in and around the seats of planes, trains, and coaches.
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“These pests are clever hitchhikers and will happily take an easy ride with humans, as they like to be close to body heat and will inevitably be looking for their next meal!”
As for how long it takes for a bed bug infestation to occur, Paul explained: “If even one pregnant, female adult bed bug hitches a ride into your home, an infestation can manifest in just a couple of months, so early detection and action are vital.”
Signs of bed bugs:
Itchy areas on the body when you wake up
Blood marks on sheets or pillowcases
Dark spots on mattresses or pillowcases that could be bed bug excrement
Eggshells or shredded skin
A musty odour around the bed and mattress
Living or dead bed bugs
2. Clean and vacuum the area thoroughly
Bed bugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help homeowners spot them early.
Hoover the mattress, bed frame, box spring and carpet – you can also steam-clean any infested fabrics, but check the mattress label before doing so, and the steamer needs to reach a temperature of 120 degrees or higher.
Once steamed and dried, a mattress can also be freshened up with a sprinkling of baking soda – let it sit for at least an hour – the longer the better before vacuuming to remove it.
After the mattress is clean, a mattress protector can be added for an extra layer of protection.
Paul commented: “Although DIY treatment is an option and may thin their numbers, it is unlikely to eradicate the infestation.
“Tackling the problem yourself involves inspecting the room for live insects, washing any infected textiles at 60 degrees Celsius, heating the same textiles in the tumble dryer, and finally vacuuming the area.
“But, whilst vacuuming can remove a small number of individuals, it cannot guarantee total elimination.
“Moreover, if you spot and kill one or a handful of bed bugs, there is, unfortunately, no quick way of knowing if you’ve dealt with them all.”
Rentokil Pest Control recommends seeking professional advice to find the most effective pest control solution for your infestation.
Rentokil uses its “award-winning Enthotherm heat pod” which is a “non-chemical, non-toxic treatment for bedbugs” that “eliminates all the life stages, from eggs and nymphs to adults, and is a cost-effective solution to dealing with a bed bug problem”.
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