After a hard day, sometimes all you want to do is lie down on a comfortable bed and recharge yourself. It’s a time to relax and unwind. And when you get up, you hope you’ll feel refreshed and full of beans again.
But what if your bed could actually make you sick? Who’s waiting for you?
Who’s Been Sleeping in Your Bed?
Here are some of the most common health risks that could be lurking between the sheets:
- Bed bugs and dust mites love your comfy bed just as much as you do. As well as leaving droppings behind them, these creatures can cause an allergic reaction in some people. And they reproduce at an alarming rate!
- Sweat and other fluids gather in beds and can lead to unpleasant odours, as well as health risks.
- Mould and fungi can build up in beds over time, especially if the beds haven’t been cleaned regularly.
Find out more about bed bug bites
What Should You Do?
Check for Signs of Bed Bugs
- Sight: Watch out for dark/black stains – on the mattress and surrounding area from bed bug excreta. You may also see the insects themselves, even though they are tiny (adults are only 4-5mm long).
- Smell: Beg bugs give off an unpleasant, sweet, sickly scent.
- Touch: You might see the small crisp-like insect skins that are cast off as the bed bug nymphs grow from stage to stage.
DIY Approaches
At home
At home use your WITS:
- Wash your bed clothes on a temperature of at least 60℃, and if possible place the items into a tumble dryer for at least 30 minutes. You should get rid of pillows more than 6 months old is recommended to tackle the mites. Bed bugs aren’t great survivors in high temperatures. Washing clothing will help eliminate both adult bed bugs and bed bug eggs, reducing the risk of a bed bugs in your home
- Inspect your luggage, clothes, beds and furniture for signs of infestation. And remember to check after visitors too.
- Tidy your rooms. You can see signs of bed bug infestation more clearly when your rooms are clean and tidy.
- Send old clothes and lined to charity shops. Don’t leave them lying around in closets. If you don’t wear it, you don’t need it.
Travel
You all like to get a restful sleep and nice DREAM when you travel:
- Do a survey of the bed to see if there are any telltale indications of infestation, such as noticeable spots on the mattress or bed clothes.
- Raise the mattress and the bed itself. The bedbugs are more likely to be hiding there during the day.
- Elevate your belongings. Don’t leave them lying on the floor or bed. Use luggage racks or tables.
- Analyse your belongings when you get home. Did you bring back any unexpected passenger bugs with you?
- Machine-dry your clothes in a hot drier to ensure no bedbugs are snuggling up in them.
Check out 15 tips to avoid hotel bed bugs
Prevention is Better than Cure
The most effective bed bug treatment is prevention. It may also prove to be the least expensive option! Before waiting until you and your family are at risk, take some practical preventative measures. Practice good hygiene and regularly wash bed clothes. Install a bed bug monitor to alert you to any potential problems.
If you are worried about an infestation, contact Rentokil for professional advice.
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