Wicklow Pest Control’s Top Tips on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs:

Pest control providers have seen an increase of double the amount of queries we receive  for bed bugs, following on from the Paris Bed Bug incident last year.

How can you tell if you have bed bugs?

We are all aware that bed bugs bite – but how do you know those bites are from bed bugs and are  there other signs indicating it is in fact a bed bug infestation you have, we are here to help:

• 4-5mm in length, think apple seed.
• Bed bugs will produce an unpleasant odour.
• Skin sheds.
• Blood spots on bedding.
• Bed bug bites are commonly found on exposed skin areas like the arms, legs, face, and neck.
• Sight – seeing live bed bugs on places like furniture and bedding.

People are ashamed to admit they have a bed bug problem as they have a stigma attached, that their presence is due to unclean conditions. However bed bugs can pop up just about anywhere. They are great hitchhikers and if you find yourself in an environment where a bed bug infestation is present, you could then become a carrier of these pests.

They will come into your property via:

• Your luggage after a holiday
• Goods bought online
• Second hand furniture

They are the worst kind of vacation souvenir parasite that travel the world. Wicklow Pest Control’s tips on how to prevent bedbugs hitchhiking their way home with you from your summer holiday:

• Store luggage on luggage racks
• Check the room for signs of bedbugs before unpacking – checking bedding and headboards
• Good housekeeping at home to avoid an infestation brewing.

Bed bugs can pose a significant risk to businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry, such as hotels, hostels, care homes, student accommodations and Airbnb accommodations. The risks associated with bed bugs include:  

• Health Risk – Bedbugs will bite and each individual reacts differently to being bit. Bites will be itchy and when overly scratched can lead to an infection.
• Reputation – Bedbugs are associated with unclean and unsanitary conditions. If a business becomes known for having Bedbugs it can damage their reputation and may result in a loss of clients.
• Legal liability – Businesses are responsible for ensuring rooms are bed bug-free. If a business has been found to be the source of a bed bug infestation, it may be held legally responsible for any damages or losses incurred by affected parties, including guests, employees, or neighbouring businesses.
• Financial loss – If bedbugs have infested a business premises the company may have no other choice but to close business temporarily to deal with the infestation causing financial loss to the company. Treating a bedbug infestation early can prevent this.
• Stress – Bedbugs can cause stress to guests and to families when trying to sleep in fear of being bitten.
• Costs – Costs in some cases may consist of an entire room, landing and adjacent rooms may need to be refurbished and all furniture fittings may need to be thrown out.

As a bedbug infestation is very difficult to get rid of, for your health we would advice you to get professional help as soon as you see signs of infestation.

Check out our services on how we will help to clear your problem, professionally and discreetly.