Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Bed bugs. It instantly makes most of us think of dirty homes and unclean beds. However, this is not the case as they are not attracted to dirt – although it would appear that they don’t mind the state of their chosen resting place!

The worst affected places seem to be short-term dwellings such as hostels, hotels and B&B’s. But, of course, if you have stayed somewhere with an infestation, they can travel back to your home in your luggage.

They thrive on body heat and the carbon dioxide that we exhale. At the same time, we sleep, so it is then that they come out of their hiding places – not always the bed itself, but cracks and crevices near a food source (you!) to find their sustenance. They need blood to mature but can survive for long periods without feeding. Therefore they can be around an empty dwelling before seeming to reappear.

So, how can you spot these invaders and, more importantly, how can you ensure that they are completely gone?

The signs of a bed bug infestation are generally:

• Red dots or itchy bumps on your skin, usually in a straight line
• Marks on your bedding – both from their faeces and from shedding their skin
• You may see the bugs themselves as being unable to fly. They crawl to get around
• If it is a significant infestation, you may notice a musty smell in the room

Getting Rid of This Tenacious Pest

Here’s the bad news. It is doubtful that any action you take yourself with shop-bought products will be 100% effective.

The good news is that we are experts at getting rid of this pesky pest and can quickly and discreetly have them eradicated so you can sleep soundly again.