How do I prevent bedbugs?

Bedbugs have hit the news as the French government raised concerns over an outbreak of the pests in Paris.  In London, the mayor Sadiq Khan has said the bedbug threat to public transport in London is “a real source of concern”. Naturally, people are worried about these bedbugs finding their way into their homes.

Firstly, if you think you might have bedbugs, please contact us straightaway before the problem increases.  We do not recommend you try to get rid of bed bugs yourself.  One of our trained pest control experts will be able to assess the problem and recommend the correct treatment.  We use the most effective solutions available to the pest control trade.

How do bedbugs spread?

The most common ways for bedbugs to get into your home, is in clothing, luggage, or furniture.  Often, it is the eggs that become attached to these materials, which then transfer onto the soft furnishings in your home.

How do I know if I have bedbugs?

If you are concerned, carefully check your bed frame, headboards and mattress, as well as in the crevices of sofas, chairs and carpets. 

The signs to look out for include:

  • Small black marks or reddish brown spots.
  • Pale yellow marks, which could be the skin that the nymphs shed as they grow.
  • Live bed bugs which crawl (not fly) and are dark yellow, red or brown.
  • Bites on your skin, which can be sore and itchy.

Bedbugs are often confused with fleas, so it is important to identify them correctly as the treatment for each is different. 

How can I prevent bedbugs?

Preventing bedbugs from getting into your home, isn’t easy.  It is usually the eggs that will transfer onto your clothing, and they are too small to detect with the naked eye.   

However, you can be on the lookout for obvious signs in places where there is a high footfall such as public transport.

While most hotels will be bedbug free, there is no harm inspecting the bed for any tell-tale signs.  You can also thoroughly check your clothes before you return.   Once home, wash your clothes in a hot wash.

If you are buying second-hand furniture, always examine it thoroughly for bedbugs, or any other pests such as fleas.

Regularly vacuum your soft furnishings and tidy away clothes to reduce the number of hiding places.

I’ve been exposed to bedbugs, now what?

If you have been exposed to bedbugs, try to remove clothing and baggage before going inside. Enclose the items in a zip lock bag and transfer into the washing machine to wash on a high temperature.

Quarantining the items can also work, but bear in mind bedbugs can live for a long time as they can become dormant and survive up to a year without feeding.

Regularly check your property for any telltale signs highlighted above.

Don’t panic

While it can be difficult to eliminate bed bugs from your property and your furnishings, it is possible.

When you contact us, we will arrange a time slot for one of our Protex Pest Control experts to visit you. They will thoroughly assess your premises and provide you with a personalised bedbug treatment plan.  The plan will include the use of professional insecticides and instructions for you to ensure they can take effect over the course of the treatment.

For more information and to arrange a visit from a Protex Pest Control expert:

 

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