Bed bugs are not a new phenomenon. In fact, they have been plaguing humans for centuries know, infesting their sleeping places and leading to itchy bites, redness, and irritation.
However, in recent times, there has certainly been a surge in the number of bed bug infestations which is a major concern, especially given how much more we now know about bed bugs and the number of different treatment methods and prevention options that are available.
In the 20th century, the rise of insecticides came very close to eradicating bed bugs all-together but unfortunately, they have experienced a real resurgence over the past couple of decades. The exact reason for this is not known for sure, but most experts suggest that it has a connection to the rise in international travel.
For the modern pest exterminator, tackling bed bug infestations makes up a major part of their schedule with the species’ ability to survive and thrive in a variety of different environments making them particularly difficult to deal with.
In this short blog we will explore exactly why this is the case, as well as detailing some of the common signs of a bed bug infestation to watch out for and some top tips of what to do if you believe that you may have one in your own home or business.
How do bed bug infestations spread?
As we mentioned earlier, global travel is thought to be a significant factor in the rise of bed bugs in the UK. Beg bugs can find their way into suitcases, on clothing, and attach themselves to your belongings, when you stay at a hotel, for example, and hitchhike their way back to your home, where they will spread far and wide.
Given the high turnover of people coming from all over the world, hotels and hostels are particularly susceptible to bed bug infestations. Given the damage that a bed bug infestation can do to the reputation of such establishments, it is vital that if you are the owner or manager of one that you take the appropriate precautions to avoid them, and call a pest control expert to help you do so.
Another reason that the fall of bed bugs was halted, and their rise has been so hard to stop, is due to the overuse of insecticides in the 20th century. As a result of this, bed bugs have developed a resistance to some of the more common insecticides available in the UK making traditional treatment methods far less effective than they once were.
What problems do bed bugs pose?
Bed bug infestations are a real issues for those dealing with them, posing a wide range of different physical and psychological effects. The itchy welts that they leave on your skin are bad enough, but fear of going to sleep at night and the feeling of being trapped inside your own home can take a huge toll on your mental health.
The stress and anxiety associated with facing a bed bug infestation is tremendous for domestic homeowners, and for businesses, their presence does huge damage to both reputation and profitability.
Signs of a bed bug infestation
The sooner bed bugs are discovered the smaller the infestation will be, and the easier it will be to keep it under control. Some of the key indications that you could be dealing with bed bugs include sightings of black dots on your bedding, small itchy bites appearing after a night’s sleep, small blood stains, a strange musty odour, and tiny white flecks underneath the beg or tucked under bedding (eggs).
Professionals also have a number of more advanced detection technologies and techniques that they can use to find out if bed bugs are indeed what is causing your issues.
Tackling a bed bug infestation
If you believe that you have a bed bug infestation, the only sensible step is to call a professional pest control expert immediately. They will have access to numerous eradication methods and know exactly how to destroy your infestation once and for all. Just some of the methods that they may decide to use to do so include fumigation and heat treatment. They may have to take away certain pieces of furniture, or recommend the removal of certain clothes or fabrics in order to ensure all traces of the infestation have definitely been removed and are unable to return.
Once your bed bug infestation has been eradicated, education and best practice is key to ensuring that it never returns. Good hygiene, and a few simple practices, such as keeping your suitcase outside your bedroom once you return from holiday and washing all clothes on a hot wash before storing them away will help to minimise the risk of falling victim to a bed bug infestation.