Bedbugs are all over the news and media channels currently. You cannot switch on the TV or open news pages without seeing something written about them. This includes the issues that are being felt in Paris, right through to how they have been spotted on public transport in London. These reports raise awareness but can also be very misleading.
With that in mind there are naturally some questions we are all asking ourselves as a result. What is the truth about bed bugs? Is the problem as bad as everyone is saying it is, and what can be done about it? And of course the one question everyone wants answering – will I get them?
Should you be worried?
The truth is that bed bugs have always been a problem pest if you are unlucky enough to get them. As a professional pest control team DALPEST Pest Solutions have worked with countless families over the years who have been infested by these insects. Bed bugs are a year round pest and don’t fall in and out of season, which means there are always properties requiring treatments, pest identification or advice.
The latest media and press does paint a very negative picture of the situation, and we can all relate to those who are suffering from an infestation, but there is a wider issue to consider where bed bugs are concerned.
Isolated bed bug infestations are completely manageable and professional pest control techniques work perfectly on eradicating them when the problem is caught in the early stages.
Early detection of any pest control problem is key, and with bed bugs this is crucial to effective management. If an infestation is not spotted early enough then the insects are more likely to overtake a property, spreading from one room to another, and then have the potential to spread externally as well (they can be carried from place to place on clothes or shoes). This is particularly relevant if the infestation occurs within a block of flats or a shared building where there are communal spaces where they can be transferred.
Bed bugs are excellent at concealing themselves in cracks and crevices and have been found in door frames, behind picture frames and even around light sockets! However the most places to find them are on mattresses, bed frames or sofas.
At DALPEST we believe if we can help to educate customers on spotting the early signs and getting an infestation verified quickly then it makes everyone’s lives easier.
These are the signs to look out for!
Remember picking up on these indicators as soon as possible will make treating the bed bugs simpler.
- Blood spots: Small blood stains appearing on your bed sheets or the clothing that you sleep in.
- Bites and skin irritation: People react differently to bed bug bites, but reactions can include raised rashes, lumps, and itchy 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.
- Live bed bugs: It is possible for bed bugs to be visible to the naked eye if there are enough of them or they are mature enough. They are small and brown with eight legs, and flattened bodies. They look like this
If you have noticed any of these signs or believe that you may have bed bugs then the best course of action is to speak to a pest control team as soon as possible. DALPEST Pest Solutions will always visit a property to confirm whether a pest is present before recommending the best course of treatment.
Confirming whether bed bugs are in the property is done by either using insect monitors, or if an infestation has taken hold then the team are experienced enough to recognise this just from being on site and doing detailed visual checks.
Our customers always receive clear advice about the planned treatment process ahead of time. This will take place over a number of visits and there will be work to do to prepare your property if treatment is required.
By closely following the guidance given ahead of treating bed bugs you can make the process even more effective. The steps you will be required to follow include
- Washing clothing and bedding at high temperatures.
- Thorough vacuuming of all rooms in the property.
- Removal and bagging up of items from affected rooms.
- Plans to keep pets and children away on the day of treatment.
Then it is up to your pest control team to do the rest.
This process should help rid you of these nasty little insects.
Once you have experienced an infestation, or even if you haven’t, making regular checks to your bed frames and sofas should be something you do as part of your cleaning routine.
We deal with all sorts of pests…
Just as a little reminder, the DALPEST Pest Solutions team are based in Peterborough and Milton Keynes and are RSPH Level 2 qualified pest controllers and members of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association), so you can talk to us about any pest control requirements you may have on 0333 2026 223.
We always love to hear from you.
