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Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)

Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)

Pest advice for controlling Bed bugs

This common pest once associated with unhygienic surroundings is prevalent due to a number of reasons, including increased travel, the use of second-hand furniture, and suspected tolerance to some pesticides. These bugs still occur with regularity, particularly in multi-occupancy buildings with rapid resident turnover, for example, hostels, hotels, holiday camps and blocks of flats.

Appearance

Adult Bed bugs resemble a small brown disc, measuring up to 6mm in length. It is wingless but the legs are well developed and it can crawl up most vertical surfaces. Their elongated eggs are cemented in cracks or crevices close to the hosts (which for Bed bugs are humans). The early stages of the Bed bug (nymphs) are tiny making them hard to detect with the naked eye.

Habitat

Mainly active at night Bed bugs hide in crevices in the bed, surrounding furniture, and also behind skirting boards, under loose wallpaper, behind pictures and even in plug sockets to name a few.

Diet

Bed bugs need to feed on the blood of a human host. However, in some cases, they can survive up to a year without feeding.

How to prevent Bed bugs

It’s impossible to prevent a Bed bug infestation as they are generally spread through bad luck. However there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an infestation: Before staying or moving into accommodation, make sure you check for signs of Bed bugs.

For some businesses such as hotels, a proactive monitoring regime by a professional pest control organisation can help detect early signs.

How to get rid of Bed bugs

For a suspected Bed bug infestation, we strongly recommend you act immediately by contacting a professional pest control company.

Self-treatment of a Bed bug infestation is unlikely to be successful. Failed treatments will occur if the accurate knowledge of the Bed bug is absent. A trained professional will have the technical knowledge and access to a range of professional use products and equipment which are not available to the public.

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