Bed bug infestations are distressing and unpleasant especially when brought home from holiday!

These small, nocturnal insect are skilled hitchhikers and frequently settle inside your clothing, luggage, furniture, and bedding. In addition to being an annoyance, bed bugs can also be uncomfortable and pose health hazards to humans and animals.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are reddish-brown insects. Adults are around the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are most active at night. They feed on human and animal blood, leaving behind red, itchy bites. Adult bed bugs are easily identifiable by their colour and shape. There are 3 stages of the life cycle of a bed bug, egg, nymph and adult, with 5 nymphal stages. Between each nymphal stage, the insect will need to feed (on blood) to move to the next cycle.

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation

Common indicators of bed bug infestation include the following:

1. Bites: Bed bug bites are small, red and itchy. They normally show up on exposed skin, such as your neck, arms, and legs but can be anywhere on the body depending on where they are in the property and your clothing.
2. Observations: Adult bed bugs can be seen with the naked eye, especially if you look at hiding spots like the seams of your mattress or sofa, headboard, or other soft furnishings.
3. Bed bug droppings: Bed bug droppings leave dark spots on furniture, linens, and bedding.
4. Shells and eggs: Small, white eggs of bed bugs are visible in cracks and crevices. You might also notice their shed skins as nymphs mature into adults.
5. Musty odour: Another indication of a severe infestation is a strong, sweet, musty scent in your room.

How bed bugs spread?

Bed bugs can hitch-hike quite easily. They conceal themselves in clothing, furnishings, luggage, and even books when you travel. If you have attended a public place or stayed in a hotel, you may unknowingly bring these pests home with you. Once inside your home, bed bugs can easily migrate from room to room by scuttling along the walls, floors, and ceiling, or using you and your family and pets as taxis.

How to prevent bed bug infestation

It is essential to be watchful and proactive to prevent a bed bug infestation. Here are some professional pointers to help you keep out of these unwanted pests:

1. Examine hotel rooms: Before settling in, check the mattress, headboards, and furniture for any indications of bed bugs in the hotel room.
2. Clean and dry your clothes: Wash and dry your garments on high heat after every trip. Any insects or eggs that you may have unintentionally carried will be destroyed by high temperatures.
3. Be cautious of pre owned clothing and furniture.

Steps to take in the event of a bed bug infestation

You should take immediate action if you think you may have come into contact with bed bugs. Given the small size, it is often too late for early interventions once the adults are noticeable in your home. With bed bugs we always recommend calling a professional pest control technician for guidance on how to break the life cycle quickly. Innovation Pest Control, we provide extensive bed bug examinations and customised treatments that effectively eradicate these pests from your home or business. Our expert technicians employ advanced techniques and environmentally friendly treatments that ensure your house or business is clear of bed bugs.

At Innovation Pest Control, we are on time, all time available to assist you with your pest control needs. Our skilled team is just a phone call away, ready to provide effective, long term solutions to any of your pest problems.

To live bug free and safe in your space, call or WhatsApp us right away for expert advice, inspections, or treatments.