Bed bugs are a nuisance that you obviously want to avoid in your home, so it can be crucial to spot the signs of one.
There are a few things to keep in mind so that you can correctly identify the presence of the insects and then sort out the issue.
Adult bed bugs are typically around 4-5mm in length, so they may not be the easiest things to spot.
However, Paul Blackhurst, Technical Academy Head at Rentokil Pest Control, has shared how to identify them.
These resilient pests have been with humans for centuries, adapting to modern environments with remarkable persistence. But while their presence is unsettling, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
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How can you tell if you have bed bugs in your bed?
Paul shares that physically seeing bed bugs is not always a given, but there are a few things to look out for.
He explains: "Their presence is often indicated by telltale signs; such as small, dark bloodstains resembling mildew on mattress edges, dark faecal pellets, shed skins, and a distinctively sweet, sickly odour."
It is also important to note that bed bugs are not just found in beds, as they can infest other parts of the home.
Paul adds: "They are prolific breeders and will conceal themselves in inaccessible places, such as small cracks and crevices, behind wallpaper, and under skirting boards.
"Moreover, they can seek refuge in upholstery such as sofas, curtains, and chairs, extending their presence to unexpected places such as the seats of planes, trains, and coaches.
"These cunning pests are adept hitchhikers, readily latching onto humans for transportation, driven by their attraction to body heat, CO2, and their insatiable need for their next blood meal."
How to remove bed bugs from a mattress
People can attempt to remove bed bugs by washing infected textiles at high temperatures, exposing them to high heat in the dryer, and vacuuming the area.
Paul recommends emptying your vacuum cleaner into an outside bin right after doing so.
He adds: "However, vacuuming can only remove a small number of individual pests and does not ensure complete elimination.
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"Additionally, finding and killing one or even a few bed bugs does not guarantee that the infestation has been completely addressed.
"If you are unfortunate enough to have a bed bug infestation then professional pest controllers can offer a range of non toxic and effective solutions, including steam and heat treatments."
Can bed bugs go away on their own?
Paul says: "Bed bugs breed quickly and so won’t go away on their own. In fact, one female adult can lay 1-10 eggs a day, and 200-500 eggs in their lifetime, so it is important to implement measures as soon as possible to prevent a larger scale infestation."
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