Bed Bugs Make A Comeback

The incidence of calls regarding bed bug infestations has risen over the last year. Calls are being received from five-star city hotels to council estates, all in dire need of a bed bug exterminator.

The problem faced by pest control companies attempting to eradicate this insect is their resistance to pesticides, which has made it increasingly difficult to initially remove all incidences of the bed bug, and then to safeguard the property ensuring that the problem does not re-occur.

The paper-thin bed bug is only about the size of a tick, making it easy to sneak into suitcases and between clothing without travellers noticing.

This is thought to be the main reason that we are seeing a revival of this pest, and how they have managed to spread worldwide following a prolonged period of absence in the developed world.

Bed bugs can find a home in tight dark spaces anywhere, and feed on blood at night while people sleep. They leave dark stains from their droppings underneath furniture and behind beds, and some are known to emit a "pungent" odour. Although bed bugs carry a social stigma associated with being unclean, this is not necessarily the case and can often occur in very clean properties.

Chemicals that are most effective at killing the bugs, like DDT, have been deemed unsafe to use near humans so terminating the bed bug is a slow and intensive process, and requires occupants to evacuate the infested area for at least 12 to 24 hours. In this time pest control technicians use insecticide in every possible place bed bugs might be lurking including furniture, walls, paintings, and clocks.

What used to only account for a small number of calls a year ago, has turned into an average of six calls per week for the Dynamic Pest Control team. If you think that you have a bed bug infestation, do not hestiate to contact your local pest control company who will visit your premises, assess your pest control requirements and begin the eradication process.

Of course, it makes sense to take precautions to avoid bed bugs in the first place. Some practices recommended are:

• Maintain your household in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Remove clutter where bed bugs can hide.
• Avoid bringing secondhand furniture (especially mattresses and box springs) or similar items deposited kerbside into the household.
• Travellers should get in the habit of inspecting their hotel bed for signs of bed bugs, including examining the bedsheets, especially along the head of the bed. If bed bugs are discovered, request another room in another part of the hotel.
• Vacuum your suitcases after returning from a trip.
• Periodically inspect bedding and clothing. Check your bedding for telltale blood spots.

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control