'Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite' – a phrase that is taking on a whole new meaning in counties across the UK as t...
It's official... populations of the wingless insects are up this summer. This comes on the heels of news that residents across the UK have reported high infestation numbers.
A likely reason for the bed bug problem is basic science. Bed bugs follow, like any other living organism, ups and downs and biologic cycles, so that may have something to do with it. There's also information indicating that we are tending not to use pesticides with residuals as much anymore to treat insects like bed bugs. Without the residual, you don't have the longer-term kill and protection, so they are not being eliminated.
Bed bugs are bloodsucking insects that enjoy feasting on exposed skin. They are shy, meaning they feed primarily at night. While there is no evidence that bed bugs can transmit disease, the effects of being bitten are anything but pleasant.
Local irritation, inflammation, allergic reactions, itchiness and dermatitis are some of the effects of bed bugs. It is certainly a problem and something people need to deal with or it is going to get worse. In severe infestations, they can drive you crazy, biting your legs.
Most district councils are not directly responsible for bed bugs, so tenants in apartment buildings or rented houses should contact their landlords to deal with the problem. Bed bugs are not considered to be an insect of public health significance because diseases are not known to be transmitted through them. This means that it is up to the landlord or the person who has control over the house or apartment to eliminate bed bugs as best they can.
You can be really fastidious and vacuum thoroughly and inspect and brush, or coat the legs of your beds with Vaseline, but once you have a severe infestation, you have to do all of those things as well as treat with a pesticide. The best solution when it comes to pesticides is to hire a qualified professional to deal with it, but there are pesticides available that you can apply yourself. You really have to follow the manufacturers' instructions and minimise exposure to pets and children.
Perhaps predictably, a spike in infestations has been noted among people who have recently moved. This is largely due to the removal vans themselves not being treated. All it takes is for one family to have bed bugs for the problem to spread to any number of other premises.
If you are moving house, it is vital that you ensure your removal company thoroughly treat their removal trucks between each and every customer.
SDA Pest Control, "Long Acre",
Bluntisham Road,
Needingworth,
St. Ives,
Cambridgeshire
01480 465684