Bed bugs are not normally implicated in the transmission of diseases. Their medical significance is usually limited to itching and inflammation from their bites. The key to controlling bed, bird and bat bugs is to locate and treat all cracks and crevices where the bugs may be hiding. Typical hiding places are in the tufts, folds and seams of mattresses, and cracks in the box springs and bed frame. Heavier infestations often spread to behind baseboards, window and door casings, pictures, electrical switch plates, loose wallpaper, and in furniture upholstery and the pleats of drapes. When inspecting for bed bugs, look for the insects themselves as well as the telltale faecal and blood spots indicating that a hiding place is nearby.

If you suspect you have a bed bug problem, please call Competitive Pest Control Services and we will send out a technician to conduct a professional, careful inspection to the offending room and adjoining rooms. A thorough treatment can be done once all the infested areas have been identified.

 

BED BUGS – CIMEX LECTULARIUS

Infestations are usually detected by the welts and irritation caused by the bites, and the fecal smears and blood spots visible on pillowcases, sheets and mattresses. Heavy infestations of bed bugs are also accompanied by a distinct odour. Bed bugs are not normally implicated in the transmission of diseases. Their medical significance is usually limited to itching and inflammation from their bites. The key to controlling bed, bird and bat bugs is to locate and treat all cracks and crevices where the bugs may be hiding. Typical hiding places are in the tufts, folds and seams of mattresses, and cracks in the box springs and bed frame. Heavier infestations often spread to behind baseboards, window and door casings, pictures, electrical switch plates, loose wallpaper, and in furniture upholstery and the pleats of drapes. When inspecting for bed bugs, look for the insects themselves as well as the telltale faecal and blood spots indicating that a hiding place is nearby.

Adult bed bugs are oval shaped and wingless, they vary from a reddish-brown, to almost blood red after a blood feeding. They are approximately 5-6mm. Nymphs are the younger stage of bed bugs, tend to be paler in colour and are smaller, around 1-4mm. They have flattened bodies and this allows them to hide in cracks and crevices, making detection very difficult. They can survive long periods without feeding, and though they prefer to feed on humans, they will feed on any warm-blooded animal. They love to hide in secretive dark places, like skirting boards, cupboards and under bedding. They stay close to each other and can create severe infestations.

Bed bugs have increased in Sydney since 2000 by around 5000%; they are great travellers, and can stow away on your luggage, bedding, or clothing and this is why they are such a worldwide problem. If you suspect you have a bed bug problem, please call Competitive and we will send out a technician to conduct a professional, careful inspection to the offending room and adjoining rooms. A thorough treatment can be done once all the infested areas have been identified.