Bed Bugs - Frequently Asked Questions
How Can a Bed Bug Problem Be Identified?
If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation then you will want to know what to look for – often the physical symptoms of a bed bug problem can be mistaken for allergies (even GPs may make this mistake!) and by the time it’s confirmed, it’s too late and the bed bug infestation has already taken hold. Some key things to look out for include:
- Bite marks on your body, usually on exposed/bare areas (face, neck, arms) – these will likely take the form of raised, itchy, red marks, often grouped together or in a line.
- Ink-like stains on your bedding
- Blood speck stains on your bedding – these may either be from bedbug bites or from squashing them whilst sleeping.
Sometimes if you quickly switch your light on in the middle of the night then you will see bed bugs scurrying away – you’d be surprised how quickly they can move!
Where Are Bed Bugs Often Found?
Whilst the answer to this question may seem obvious, it is possible that the infestation will not be confined to the bedroom. Often when a household has a bed bug infestation they will sleep in another room until they have been exterminated – this can in fact spread the bed bugs throughout the house to other beds and even living room sofas.
If you decide to throw out a mattress that is infested with bed bugs then it’s possible they will make their way back into the house – the same goes when you try vacuuming bed bugs or their eggs up… When the bag is removed they will often crawl out and find their way back into the house, so it’s important to ensure you bag up the contents and seal it before throwing it away. They have also been known to crawl directly out of the vacuum cleaner.
Read our dedicated article that shows 5 ways to identify bed bugs.
What Causes a Bed Bug Infestation?
Contrary to popular belief, bed bug infestations are not known to be caused by poor hygiene – in fact, it is likely that they have been picked up elsewhere and brought into your home via clothing or luggage.
- Drawn out by body heat, carbon dioxide in our breath, and movement to feed on fresh blood
- Bed bugs are picked up in hotels, trains or coaches with upholstered seating. They have even been picked up on night flights on aeroplanes.
- Changes in pest control practices
- Insecticide resistance
Once they have fed on a host, they will scurry off and hide until they are ready to feed again – if that hiding place is your clothes, handbag or luggage then you may be taking them with you. If you have someone over to stay the night then it is possible they could bring a bed bug problem with them!
What Are The Symptoms of a Bed Bug Infestation?
Aside from the embarrassment of having a bed bug problem and the fear of spreading it to friends and family households, there are some additional symptoms and issues caused by an infestation:
- Constant itching
- Scratching bites causing infection
- Large colonies of bedbugs produce a musty smell
A full list of symptoms can be found on the NHS website.
Can I Get Rid of Bed Bugs Myself?
Whilst there are several bed bug treatments and products on the market, these DIY products may not be enough to kill off the entire colony of bed bugs.
Between feeds they may hide in unexpected places that you may not think to (or be able to) get insecticides to effectively, such as:
- Within the bed frame itself
- Inside electrical sockets
- Inside electrical equipment
- Behind wallpaper
- Behind skirting boards
- Under floorboards
The majority of these “quick knockdown” insecticides like sprays, fogging, fumigations and smoke MUST make contact with the insects straight away, otherwise they will degrade in the light and become useless. It only takes one egg or juvenile bed bug to remain and the whole cycle will start again – this may take months to notice!
It is highly recommended that you contact a professional, certified bed bug exterminator to ensure complete and permanent removal of your bed bug infestation.
View our Bed Bug Pest Control page to find out how we remove Bed Bug infestations from properties, for good.
