Bed bugs are a nasty pest. They can overtake a property quickly and spread from room to room in no time. Often an infestation will have developed before you realise that you have a significant problem.
There are some key signs to watch out for that you may have bed bugs and these include
- Blood spots: Tiny blood stains on your sheets or the clothing you sleep in.
- Bites and skin irritation: People react differently to bed bug bites, but most common reactions include raised rashes, lumps, and itchy, burning areas on your skin.
- Bed bug shells: As bed bugs moult into their next life stage they leave their shells behind. These are often clumped together and are reddish-brown in colour.
While no one likes them, there are very effective remedies to help remove them.
Once you have identified that you have a bed bug infestation it will require a professional treatment from a reputable pest control company in order to eradicate them successfully.
Prepare well for a treatment.
So, what does this involve and how should you prepare?
A bed bug treatment for a serious infestation will consist of an insecticide spray being applied to all affected areas of the property and the furniture within those rooms. This must be carried out by a professional pest controller in a controlled environment.
Ahead of the treatment taking place there are several things the tenant or property owner can do to ensure the process is as effective as possible.
Preparation should take between 1-3 days. Failure to prepare correctly will make the job more difficult for your pest control team. If you follow these few simple steps, you can ensure you are fully prepared when they arrive.
- Wash clothes and bedding: All bedding from the rooms where the bed bugs are present should be washed on the hottest recommended wash. Clothing from those rooms from any wardrobe or drawers should also be thoroughly washed and not returned until after the treatment.
- Vacuum everywhere: Ahead of the treatment all floors and soft furnishings should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove any debris, eggs or live bed bugs. Take care when emptying the bag or contents of the vacuum. Put the contents into 2 tightly sealed plastic bags and place in the outside bin to prevent further contamination.
- Remove items from affected rooms: The treatment will be most effective if the rooms are cleared of excess clutter and clothes and only contain empty furniture and bed frames. This will make application of the insecticide simpler if all floors and walls can be accessed.
- Kitchen preparation: Make sure that any food that is open is completely covered or removed.
- Keep pets away: Pets and children should be kept away on the day of treatment, however it is advised that pets are also out of the house for 24 hours.
On the day the treatment takes place, all residents will need to be out of the property for at least 4 hours. Residents can return once the insecticide is dried but they must not be present while spraying is taking place.
Please note that in very extreme circumstances, it may be recommended that furniture is removed completely from the property, however this is very rare.
It is important to remember that you may find some bed bugs after the treatment has been completed. This is perfectly normal and happens when the remaining eggs hatch, these insects will die after exposure to the insecticide.
Treatment such as this should help to solve the issue and remove the pest problem.
DALPEST Pest Solutions are always available to discuss our treatment options with customers who may be experiencing issues. To find out more about the bed bug pest control services offered by DALPEST Pest Solutions then please get in touch with a member of the team on the number below.
