What are bed bugs? Let’s say they are one of the most travelled wingless insects in the world.  They are a rust colored insect oval in shape and around 4 to 5mm long when they become adult.  The bugs change color through to dark red after they have gorged on a blood – that is a horrible thought!  The small bed bugs are hard to distinguish as they are flat and thin means which makes detection difficult as they can hide in the most narrowest crevices and cracks, making it difficult for the naked eye to locate them.

There are 2 main species that are commonly named the bed bug and they are called Cimex lectularius, and the other tropical bed bug called Cimex hemipterus. Until recently there was only one type of bug known in Australia but now the tropical version has also recently made a presence.

Bed Bugs Development

In all there are 5 juvenile stages, which are known as nymphs, these are really only smaller versions of the adults in appearance. With each nymphal stage requires at least 1 blood meal to moult to the next stage and it takes between 5 to10 minutes for complete engorgement to occur.

The whole nymphal development takes approx 6 to 8 weeks; meantime the adult bed bugs can live on average for 6 to12 months. The main food that both the nymphal and adult stages require for both sexes require blood for nutrition and for development. In the mating stage, each female lays 2 to 3 eggs a day throughout her lifespan. The light whitish colored eggs are approx 1mm in length are cemented on rough surfaces of where they are hiding, and will hatch within around 10 days at room temperature, but longer in cooler conditions. As now you can see now how quickly a bed bug problem can multiply!

What do bed bugs eat?

These quiet nasty little bugs are especially adapted physically for piercing through skin and sucking blood your blood mainly is their favorite. As with any blood sucking arthropods, they inject saliva during feeding, which has anticoagulant properties. The bed bugs are more at home in the warmth and carbon dioxide of a host and quickly home in on a suitable feeding site. The bed bugs tend not to live on humans and the only contact is for a blood meal. The blood-feeding feast occurs at night, and they generally seek shelter during the day and become inactive while they digest the blood meal from the night before. Saying that though the bed bugs can and will bite in the day especially if starved for a period of time. It is know that the bed bugs can survive for long periods without a need for blood and although they prefer a human host, as a second choice they will feed on a variety of other warm blooded animals which could include bats, rabbits, rodents and even the family pet looks good if hungry enough!

Where are they hiding?

The bed bugs like to house themselves in various dark locations, which is in close proximity to where people sleep. These little hidey-holes the bugs like include but not limited to under mattresses, floorboards, paintings and carpets, also they can in cracks and crevices of walls, in bed frames and other furniture, and can even live behind wallpaper. Bed bugs tend to be in close contact with each other and you will note their presence when there is an infestation as this is usually accompanied by a distinctive sweet sickly smell. Another tell tale sign is blood spotting on mattresses and nearby furnishings.  Bed bugs can easily travel the world as they are easily transported in luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture. It is with their easy ways to transport themselves bed bugs have an international distribution.

What is the best treatment?

When you suspect that you have unwelcome visitors such as bed bugs then your best course of action would be to call in a fully licensed pest control expert. I say this as they will be able to do a thorough job of getting to all of the favorite places that bugs live and also the fact they will be able to inspect adjoining rooms for other signs of infestation. The pest control expert is licensed to treat the areas infected by the bugs with a much stronger insecticide than you could safely use.   There are of course non-chemical methods, which I will outline below but if you have a real problem remember that the adult bed bug lays 2-3 eggs per day so without proper treatment you are going to have a big problem soon.

Non-Chemical – Chemical Approach:

Vacuuming all mattresses, skirting boards and carpets.  Mattresses should be placed outside in direct sunlight.  If you have a steam mop do all the floorboards thoroughly.  All clothing should be placed in the washing machine on hot cycle using hot soapy water and placed either outside in the sun or in clothes dryer.  For clothing that would not tolerate the hot water place in a plastic bag and tie it closed and place in the freezer overnight the next day wash as per normal.

The use of pesticides will also be needed to be used in conjunction with any non-chemical means of control. That is why using a pest control agent who has the necessary sprays to use for the permanent treatment is advisable for infestations as this will nearly always involves evaluation due to the type of chemicals that are used.

Don’t let the bed bugs bite anymore with these easy tips given should be the last you see of them.

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• You will receive knowledgeable information about your situation or pest management problem.
• There are no pushy sales persons forcing you into a treatment you don’t need you will be dealing directly with the owners.
• We take pride in using only use the safest low or non-toxic treatments that are pet and child friendly.
• Our Bed Bug Control is second to none will be only be carried out with insured, accredited technicians.
• Be assured your service is guaranteed with our company, with a rock solid, money-back policy if we don’t deliver or keep our promises. That’s what has built our business over the years, and why we keep getting repeat business from our happy clients. We take our time to make sure you are happy with the service that we supply.