Bed bugs are a notoriously difficult pest to eliminate.
They can survive through hot and cold temperatures, as well as many pesticides. It was once thought that bed bugs thrived in unhygienic environments; however, it turns out they can occupy the cleanest properties.
They’ve become increasingly common over the last two decades. As more people travel the world, bed bugs also have the chance to hop around the globe infesting homes, hotels, hostels, and BnBs.
Removing bed bugs successfully requires a professional pest controller with the right equipment, skill, and knowledge. However, it all starts with you understanding the nature of bed bugs, being vigilant, and taking precautions to avoid spreading an infestation to other homes and buildings.
What are bed bugs, and how do they survive?
Adult bed bugs are wingless, oval, and light brown, or reddish-brown, growing up to 5mm in length, and 3mm wide. Hatched nymphs have a lighter colour and have 5 phases of growth to pass through. With each stage, they turn darker as they mature.
All bugs, young and old, turn red with a translucent stomach after feeding on human blood. They return to their natural colour after several hours and turn black after two days when digesting their meal.
Bed bugs are attracted to human blood, and enjoy exposure to carbon dioxide and the warm environment we like to sleep in. They hide in the crack and crevices of furniture and objects around the room. They will leave dark excrement around the seams of bed linen and mattresses, giving away their presence.
How do you remove bed bugs?
Bed bugs won’t go away on their own. Call a bed bug expert who can offer a treatment to permanently remove them.
Whether they use an insecticide or heat treatment, you will have to prepare your room before treatment beings. This includes washing and tumble-drying bed sheets and clothes and placed back in the room after treatment. Items, such as CDs, DVDs and posters should be removed, and placed in a bag
A technician will spray an odourless residual insecticide on the floors, walls, ceilings, and bed frames. It takes 2-3 hours to dry, and items can be returned to the room. These rooms must be slept within to lure the bed bugs out of hiding and crawl over the insecticide which it will ingest. Gradually, they will die off and the insecticide will create a toxic environment for the remaining bed bugs.
If you notice an infestation, call a professional pest controller immediately to help assess the situation and offer further advice on how to deal with the problem.
For free advice and professional bed bug treatments in Scotland and Yorkshire, get in touch with The Bed Bugs Experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs?
The most effective approach is usually professional pest control, using methods such as heat treatment or a combination of chemical and non-chemical techniques. These are designed to target bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs.
Can you get rid of bed bugs without professional treatment?
It is sometimes possible to eliminate small infestations using persistent DIY methods such as washing fabrics at high temperatures, tumble drying, vacuuming, and steam cleaning. However, larger infestations are much harder to control without expert help.
Does heat treatment really kill bed bugs?
Yes, sustained high temperatures are highly effective at killing bed bugs and their eggs. Professional heat treatment ensures heat reaches hidden areas where bed bugs typically shelter.
Why are bed bugs so hard to eliminate?
Bed bugs are difficult to remove because they hide in tiny cracks, reproduce quickly, and can survive for long periods without feeding. They also spread easily between rooms and belongings.
How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?
Depending on the severity, elimination can take anywhere from a single professional treatment to several weeks of repeated treatments and follow-up inspections.
What should you do if you suspect bed bugs in your home?
It is important to confirm the infestation quickly, avoid moving infested items between rooms, and begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent further spreading.