How to get rid of bed bugs
One of the fastest growing pest control concerns are bed bugs. Bed bugs are prolific breeders so an infestation can grow very quick. Bed bugs need one full meal of blood in their nymph stage before proceeding to the next stage. Bed bugs, once fully frown, can endure starvation for at least one year and could do for up to 36 months.
Seeking professional help is essential for this pest as they are very difficult to treat. Although not known to transmit disease, bed bugs will bite and draw blood which could lead to infection. Wicklow Pest Control have all of the latest technology in dealing with any infestation including this difficult to treat pest. Wicklow Pest Control have a five step treatment protocol designed to kill live nymphs and adults in the reproductive life cycle of a bed bug population.
How to know if my bites are from Bed Bugs?
Bites can be small red lumps causing irritation. From minor irritation to severe allergic hypersensitivity, each individual reacts differently to being bitten by a bed bug. Bites on your skin doesn’t always mean it is a bed bug infestation you are dealing with.
- Smell – Bed bugs will produce an unpleasant odor.
- Skin Sheds – Look out for skin sheds.
- Blood Spots – Blood spots on bedding.
- Bite Patterns – Bed bug bites will usually be in a line as they will feed in one area before moving onto the next.
- Sight – Physically seeing bed bugs will be a major sign your bites are bed bugs. You may see them in the furniture or bedding.
How did Bed Bugs get into my property?
Although bed bugs are thought to be linked to unclean and unsanitary conditions, this is not always the case, as it is warmth and carbon dioxide they are attracted to.
Bed bugs will appear in multi occupancy buildings with rapid resident turnover and crowded areas like apartments, hostels, holiday camps, hospitals and transport. Even showing up in the most exclusive hotels and resorts.
Bed bugs are great hitchhikers, they may come into your home or business from any of the following to name a few:
- On your luggage from your holiday
- Goods bought online
- Second hand furniture, lockers, beds
How to prevent Bed Bugs making their way into your premises
- Luggage racks – Store luggage on luggage racks when staying in hotels.
- Signs – when staying in hotels, check the room for signs of bed bugs before unpacking your belongings. For more information visit our website page on bed bugs.
- House Keeping – Keep home decluttered and hoovered to avoid infestations brewing. Remember to empty your hoover bag to avoid bed bugs coming back into your home through the hoover.
Damage caused by Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can pose a significant risk to businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sectors, such as hotels, hostels, accommodations and also care homes. The risks associated with bed bugs include:
- Health Risk – Bed bugs will bite and each individual reacts differently to being bit. Bites will be itchy and when overly scratched can lead to an infection.
- Reputation – Bed bugs are associated with unclean and unsanitary conditions. If a business becomes known for having bed bugs 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 neighboring businesses.
- Financial loss – If bed bugs 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 bed bug infestation early can prevent this.
- 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.
Bed bugs breed fast so it is important to treat a bed bug problem early before it develops into a bigger problem. If you leave a bed bug infestation untreated, an infestation can grow rapidly, infesting multiple areas in your home, including furniture, carpets and curtains. Contact one of our team today for a risk assessment site survey to identify the problem and we will test spray the area.
