A Questionable Mattress

Cimex lectularius, commonly referred to as a bed bug, has not only become a nuisance pest but increasingly is manifesting itself as a quality of life pest.

Not just restricted to houses and apartments, bed bugs are also commonly appearing in hotels and hospitals. Rises in the incidence of the bed bug amongst council properties indicates that their activity is no longer confined to any geographic area, but evenly spread across entire residential areas.

It is important to identify the method of introduction of bed bugs into a household in order to successfully treat the infestation. If you are a frequent traveller, often have overnight guests, or regularly entertain visitors such as nurses and social workers, you are more susceptible to the introduction of bed bugs in your home.

When looking at a number of incidences of bed bug infestations, one item in particular, seemed to factor into a significant number of cases: the introduction of a questionable mattress, sofa or other used item. It may have come from a shop, a car-boot sale or a neighbour, but unwittingly people are buying bed bugs along with their "new mattress".

Once introduced into a residential property, bed bugs can easily spread into other households and premises within the vicinity. This not only causes confusion as to the whereabouts of the primary source of the infestation, but it can also lead to new colonies being formed in other locations.

This event is likely to increase the possiblity that these additional bed bug "hotspots" may be missed when measures are taken during treatment of the infestation, but it also increases the risk that the bed bugs may return.

Bed bugs are not particularly tricky pests to control, but they are very elusive creatures. A bed bug can live for a year or more without eating and can withstand temperatures from 0°C - 50°C.

Vigilance is key when it comes to identifying a possible bed bug infestation. These creatures don't just live in beds; they can be in chair cushions, sofas, or even behind picture frames. If an infestation is suspected, it is important to organise an inspection by a suitably qualified pest control technician.

Bed bugs cannot be effectively controlled with do-it-yourself measures and so it is vital that you get the professional advice needed to reduce the risk of you becoming just another victim of these vampires of the night.

SDA Pest Control, "Long Acre", Bluntisham Road, Needingworth, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire
01480 465684