Bed Bug Eradication

Bed bugs are a type of parasite that can be found hidden in areas of beds, furniture, wallpaper, and skirting boards. They can survive for several months even without a host. They are active during the night and only come out occasionally when they are hungry. They feed mainly on the blood of humans, but also other animals such as dogs, cats, birds and rodents.

Although they do not transmit any known diseases, their bites can result in a severe allergic response.

The bugs can be transferred through bedding, second-hand furniture and unkept parts of the walls. They can also be present in hotels, hostels and other public lodges from being transported on luggage.

Bed Bug Control

To effectively eliminate bed bugs from infested buildings, finding all of the hidden spots and treating it thoroughly is essential. This involves thoroughly treating all potential hiding places such as bedding, furniture, and the structure itself. In some cases, additional areas like ceilings, crevices, under loose wallpaper, and electrical appliances and cable paths may also need to be treated.

To locate the bed bugs, searching in areas where they are likely to hide and using a flushing aerosol is the best method to use. Close to their hiding spots, you may notice smudges or stains of excrement from the fully fed bugs before returning to their narrow crevices. In these hiding places, you might also spot eggs or egg cases.

For effective control, it is important to spray or dust the structure of infested rooms with a broad-spectrum residual insecticide. Pay extra attention to bed frames, skirting boards, wall switches, and any other cracks and crevices where adult bed bugs or nymphs may seek shelter. If possible, it is advisable to dispose of or heat sterilise bedding materials, including the mattress. In cases where thorough treatments fail, the bed bugs may be resisting the treatment and further action will be required. Usually, two to three repeat treatments will be necessary in order to successfully eliminate the infestation.