Bed
Bugs
What do they look like?
Adult bed bugs are oval shaped, flattened and about 6mm long.
When unfed they are pale brown in colour but become reddish brown
to mahogany when full of blood. Young bugs (nymphs) are nearly
colourless, becoming brownish as they mature. The legs are well
developed and they can crawl up vertical surfaces of wood, paper
and plaster. They are unable to crawl up smooth polished
surfaces.
Where do they live?
Bed bugs are usually found in areas such as in floor cracks,
under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, wall pictures, loose
skirting boards and door frames, and in the seams of bed mattresses
etc.
What do they eat?
Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, generally only in
darkness. Although human blood is preferred, they can survive on
other blood from rabbits, rodents etc. Bed bugs can survive
extremes of starvation, and have been known to survive for up to 12
months without feeding
.
Pest status
Disease Transmission
Bed bugs are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to
humans. However, the bite can cause considerable irritation and may
result in loss of sleep and lowering of general health.
How can I get rid of bed bugs?
You are recommended to contact a commercial pest control
company to carry out a treatment for bed bugs.
Control
Hygiene
The routine washing of bedding and clothing, followed by
drying in a tumble dryer at normal temperature, will kill any
bedbugs and eggs present.
Chemical
The standard treatment for infested premises is the
application of a residual insecticide. The insecticide is applied
to cracks and crevices where bed bugs could be hiding, including
the seams of mattresses, bed frames, flooring, skirting boards
etc.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions
on the label.