How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs
It can be very difficult to eradicate bed bugs.
High levels of hygiene, deep cleaning and the use of amateur insecticides will help to keep bed bug numbers under control, however professional treatment will be required to eradicate the infestation.
Rentokil Pest Control offers a call-out service to get rid of bed bugs in the home. Rentokil can also treat furniture for bed bugs if there is a risk. Our service is fast, effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets.
Call Rentokil Pest Control on 1890 666 444 for advice on how to get rid of bed bugs or to arrange a visit by a Rentokil technician.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are becoming a significant problem
in Ireland and around the world. They are easily spread and difficult to treat resulting in a rapid growth in the number of bed bug outbreaks.
The key to beating this problem is to raise awareness of bed bugs, to know how to get rid of bed bugs and to ensure bed bugs are dealt with quickly once discovered.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Adult bed bugs are circa 5mm long. Before feeding they are a flattened oval shape and light brown, but become rounder and darker after feeding.
They come out at night and are attracted to the warmth of our bodies and carbon dioxide in our breath. They are usually found in bedrooms but hide in cracks and crevices during the day.
Common shelters for bed bugs:
- Seams of mattresses
- Crevices in the bed frame
- Behind furniture surrounding the bed (especially the headboard)
- Where the wall meets the floor.
A more established infestation is associated with dark or black staining of the mattress from bed bug excreta. An established infestation will also be associated with an unpleasant scent secreted by bed bugs.
The Impact of Bed Bugs
Are you worried about bed bug bites? Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other mammals.
While it is possible for bed bugs to transmit disease, in this country it is very rare. Instead, the primary concern is the irritation and distress caused by bed bug bites. Bed bug bites do not hurt. It is the itchiness that results from the body’s reaction to them that causes discomfort.
Treating the bites soothes the irritation, but it can still be very distressing when there are multiple bites as is often the case with bed bugs.
Multiple bites and contact with bed bugs can lead to an itchy rash or eczema. Consult a pharmacist for advice and treatment if this occurs.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are unlikely to wake the victim. They can occur anywhere on the body but are often close to blood vessels near the skin.
A single bed bug may bite more than once around the same area. However, bites in different parts of the body indicate being bitten by several bed bugs.
Early in a bed bug infestation, the victim may
not yet be sensitised to the bites and they may not feel itchy. However, small droplets of blood on the sheets will indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Identifying Bed Bug Bites
It is difficult to identify bed bugs from their bite because our bodies react very differently to them.
It is more important to look at the overall pattern and timing of bites and other factors to identify whether bites are caused by bed bugs.
Consult our guide to biting insects for advice about how to treat bed bug bites.
Sources of Bed Bug Infestations
Bed bugs usually enter a property by being carried on clothing or inside furniture.
The most common source of bedbugs is to stay at a hotel with an infestation. Bedbugs or their eggs get into clothing or suitcases and are then transported home.
If there are any signs of bedbugs when staying at a hotel, particularly being bitten when sleeping or seeing blood spots on sheets, take great care in bringing your personal belongings home.
Consult with hotel management to assess the risk - it may be necessary to launder, fumigate or treat clothes to ensure they are safe.
Do Not Spread Bed Bugs
If your home has a bed bug infestation, please do not risk spreading it by taking clothes, suitcases or furniture to hotels or the homes of your friends and families.
Bed bugs can also migrate to adjoining properties through wall or floor cavities. If your home has bedbugs and you live in a flat or a terraced property, please be considerate to your neighbours and act promptly.