Bed Bugs - How To Control Them

Why Control Them?

• Bed bugs are found world-wide and throughout the UK. They are nocturnal parasitic insects which feed on the blood of humans and other mammals.

• By day they hide in cracks and crevices in beds, furniture, wallpaper and skirting boards etc, emerging when hungry, usually every few days, to feed.

• Bed bugs are not regarded as disease carriers but their blood feeding can cause severe irritation in some people, resulting in loss of sleep and lack of energy, particularly in children.

• Bites are usually found around the areas of the head, neck and upper body which distinguishes them from flea bites which are usually found on the arms and legs.

• Heavily infested rooms may carry a distinctive and unpleasant almond-like smell which is given off by the bed bugs 'stink glands'.

• 'Blood spotting' on bed linen may also indicate activity as the fully fed bugs excrete excess water before returning to their narrow crevices.

Treatment

Before the treatment

• All floors and upholstered furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove animal hair, debris, eggs and pupae. Particular attention should be given to known harbourages such as bedrooms and other sleeping areas. (The vacuum bag must then be disposed of in a plastic bag in an outside waste bin).

• All bed linen and clothing should be removed from infested areas and washed on the hottest wash possible.

• Toys, loose articles etc should be removed from the floor so that as much of the area can be treated as possible.

• Where possible, beds and other known harbourages should be completely dismantled to allow them to be thoroughly treated.

• Wardrobes, drawers etc should be emptied and the contents washed on the hottest wash possible.

• Tiled, concrete, wooden floors etc should be swept and washed or vacuumed.

• Remove all children, pets and other people during the treatment and ensure that aquariums are removed or covered. (Fish are particularly susceptible to insecticides). Any open food should also be covered or removed.

Following the treatment

• Adults, children and pets should not be allowed back into the house until the treatment has completely dried. (Normally within a few hours in a well ventilated property).

• Do not vacuum for at least 10-14 days after the treatment. This will give the insecticide time to eliminate all stages of the bed bug infestation.

• Thoroughly clean all food preparation surfaces before use.

Please Note

Safety First

• Please remember that pesticides are dangerous. Always read the label before use and follow the manufacturers instructions at all times.

• Keep pesticides away from children and pets at all times.

Further Advice