BED infestations are nasty, and can make you feel rubbish if you’ve been bitten by the critters.
What can you do to get rid of an infestation? How can you treat bites? Here’s all you need to know…
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What are bed bugs?
The smallest, most blood-sucking insects are bed bugs. Adults are approximately 5mm in length.
After biting through skin, they crawl out of the mattress at night to feed on blood.
They are usually brown, red, or dark yellow in colour and have a flat oval shape. Their size is similar to 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.
The baby bed bugs, also known as Nymphs, shed their skin five more times before becoming adults. They need to be fed before they become adult.
How do you know if there is a bed bug infestation?
There are quite obvious signs that you have been infected with bed bugs, the first indication shows up on your skin…
- Usually small, red bites on your skin will be one of the first signs you have a bed bug problem
- You can then spot further signs of small bugs, tiny white eggs in mattress crevices, or tiny black spots which could be their dried poo
- While you might not spot the creatures at first, an infestation will also see blood spots appearing on your sheets, as you squash the bugs in your sleep.
- There might also start to be an unpleasant, musty scent in your bedroom
- And finally some people may also have a reaction to bedbugs in the form of itching and swelling, which can be severe – although this is rare
How can you treat bed bug bites?
Although bed bug bites are usually painless and go away on their own, some people may experience itching or reddening of the skin.
Some people might develop a rash, fluid-filled blisters, or a skin infection if they are scratched.
For itching and swelling, you may apply something cool like a moist, clean cloth.
Avoid scratching the area and keep the infection at bay.
If you experience any symptoms of skin infection, such as redness, swelling or pain, you should consult your GP. You may also need antibiotics.
If the redness is causing itching, you should also see a GP.
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.
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How can you get rid of bed bugs?
A bed bug infestation can be difficult to eliminate. It is best to hire professionals to help you.
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 NHS advises contacting your local council or a pest control firm that’s a member of 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.
- Wrap them in plastic bags and dispose of them in a trash can.
- 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.
How can you stop a begbug infestation?
Inspect your mattress and bed regularly for signs of an infestation.
Avoid buying second-hand mattresses and carefully inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home.
Keep your bedroom tidy and remove clutter.
Bedbugs aren’t attracted to dirt, so they’re not a sign of an unclean home, but clearing up any clutter will reduce the number of places they can hide.
If you live in an apartment, you could be more prone to infestation, as bed bugs can move between flats.