Sleep Tight - You Will Need To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs First
Sleep Tight - You Will Need To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs First
Bed bugs have returned to the bedrooms of Britain, and they are even harder to get rid of than before. Back in the 1930s, around a quarter of UK houses were infested with bed bugs, but the advent of synthetic insecticides - such as DDT after the Second World War - solved the problem, at least for a while.
By the 1980s bed bugs were almost eradicated in developed countries, but the last decade has seen a dramatic increase in infestations, both in Europe and the US. It is thought that one of the reasons for the dramatic increase in bed bug populations in recent years, is due to them developing resistance to various pesticides such as DDT and organophosphates.
Another reason is the move by pest controllers from using broad-spectrum insecticide sprays to eliminate common insect pests in buildings to using species-specific pesticide baits. Broad-spectrum sprays help to control bed bug infestations, but baits do not.
Mainly active at night, bed bugs are parasitic insects, which have adapted to feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals, such as bats and birds. The common bed bug ‘Cimex lectularius’, is found in temperate climates, and is best adapted to human hosts. Adults are wingless, reddish-brown insects with flattened oval-shaped bodies about 4mm long and 2.5mm across.
During daytime bed bugs tend to nest in mattresses, bed frames and other dark crevices out of sight, which makes them difficult to spot. Typically, first signs that bed bugs have set up home are tiny black dots of faecal matter, blood spots on bed linen and/or cast skins.
Some people react quite badly to bed bug bites, developing intensely itchy, raised welts. Because they are so tiny, elusive and nocturnal, establishing the presence of bed bugs can be difficult, especially with low-level infestations. Daily monitoring is recommended, using a torch to investigate dark crevices and niches.
Various do-it-yourself methods to get rid of bed bugs have been espoused over the years. Traditional plant-based repellents include black cohosh, eucalyptus oil, black pepper, wild mint and cannabis.
Steam cleaning and spraying rubbing alcohol on bed frames may get rid of adult insects and eggs, while fabric steamers can be used to disinfect mattresses and other soft furnishings. 1000 Heating to at least 49C for 20 minutes will kill bed bugs, as will freezing temperatures.
However, the most effective DIY option for low-level infestations is to treat the sleeping area with an insecticide approved for bed bug eradication. All possible hiding places need to be sprayed or dusted, with a second application 10 days after the first, in order to kill any emerging nymphs and surviving adults. For heavy infestations, a commercial pest control company should be consulted.
Once bed bugs have been eradicated, the bed can be protected to prevent any bugs remaining in the sleeping area from climbing back on to feed. Home-made bed bug barriers can be made using petroleum jelly, double-sided carpet tape or standing the bed legs in trays of water.
Mechanical insecticides, such as diatomaceous earth, which kills bed bugs through dehydration in a few days, can also be used as a barrier method and to trap the insects.
Bed bugs can spread by hitching rides in clothing, luggage, bedding, mattresses and furniture, as well as on wild animals and pets. Adults can go for a year without feeding, and bed bug eggs, with an incubation period of several weeks, are not killed by all approved pesticides. Patience and vigilance are therefore needed to prevent recurrent infestations.
By: Rob Small
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