Some people find it difficult to sleep.
Bed bugs are the last thing that you want to deal with when it comes time to get on the hay.
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The mere sight of them is enough to make anyone want to jump in the tub and give it a good scrub.
Bed bugs can be very nasty, especially if they bite you.
Sometimes you might find the animals while on holiday, and take them home as a souvenir.
To avoid transporting the animals, you should not leave your suitcase on the mattress.
Bedding should be inspected for any signs of infestation. Wearable clothes should be kept away from clean ones.
What can you do about an infestation? How can it be prevented? Here are the facts.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs, which are tiny, blood-sucking insects, can be found in the joints and edges of your mattress. Adults measure approximately 5mm.
After biting through the skin, they crawl out of their hiding places at night to feed on blood.
They can be brown, yellow, or red and are oval-shaped. They are roughly the same size as an Apple seed.
Although they aren’t dangerous, they can cause extreme discomfort and stress to those who are bitten by them.
They can’t jump or fly, but can crawl long distances, so can quickly spread throughout a building.
Baby bed bugs, also known as Nymphs, shed their skin five times before becoming adults. They need to be fed blood before each shedding.
How can you tell if there is a bedbug infestation?
You can tell if you are infected by bed bugs from the first sign on your skin.
- Bed bug infestations are usually characterized by small, reddish-colored bites on the skin.
- Then you can look for signs of other bugs, small white eggs in mattress crevices or tiny black spots that could be their dried urine.
- Even though you may not see them at first, an infestation can lead to blood spots appearing on your sheets.
- You might notice a musty, unpleasant smell in your bedroom.
- The last thing is that some people may experience severe allergic reactions to bedbugs, such as itching and swelling. This is not a common occurrence.
How do you treat bed bugs?
Although bed bug bites are not painful and usually go away on their own, some people may experience itching or reddening of the skin.
Sometimes, people may experience a rash or fluid-filled bumps. If scratched, they could become infected with bacteria.
To relieve itching and reduce swelling, you can use a cool object, such as a moist, clean cloth.
Do not scratch the affected area.
If you experience any symptoms of skin infection, such as reddening or swelling, you should consult your doctor immediately. You may also need antibiotics.
The NHS advises you to see a GP if there is any redness around the bite.
If they are very itchy you can use antihistamine tablets to relieve the itch and apply a mild steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone).
Your bedsheets should be cleaned as well.
How do you prevent bed bugs from infesting your home?
Regularly inspect your mattress and bed for signs of infestation.
Avoid second-hand mattresses. Make sure to inspect any second-hand furniture carefully before you bring it into the home.
Make sure your bedroom is clean and tidy.
They don’t like dirt so they aren’t a sign that your home is dirty. However, clearing out clutter can reduce their hiding places.
You may be more susceptible to infestation if you live in an apartment. Bed bugs can move between flats.
How can bed bugs be eliminated?
It is not easy to eradicate an infestation. Professional help may be your best option.
Once in your home, bed bugs can quickly spread from room to room.
Wait too long before you identify the problem, and they could completely contaminate your home.
The NHSContact your local council or a pest management firm that is a member the British Pest Control Association, or National Pest Technicians Association.
Here’s what you should do to get rid of an infestation:
- If you suspect you’ve been infected, the first thing you need to do is strip your bed and wash the sheets and blankets in 60C water, before tumble drying for at least 30 minutes.
- You can also dispose of them by wrapping them in plastic bags and disposing in a trash bin.
- Make sure you either throw your mattress away, or thoroughly vacuum it, and your carpet under your bed. Then make sure you take the vacuum outside and dispose of the contents.
- Because 30 per cent of bed bugs live in your bed frame and headboard, it’s vital that you clean those thoroughly, too.
- While vacuuming will get rid of the bugs themselves, it won’t get rid of the eggs. To do that, you’ll need to wipe everywhere with a good pesticide.