You don’t need to read too far in today’s press to know that bedbugs are multiplying nationwide. And, more alarmingly, this ‘superspecies’ of bedbugs seem to be developing a resistance to traditional means of bedbug control. At this rate, many of us may find ourselves sharing a bed with a none-too-friendly bunch of bedfellows: Cimicidae.
So what do we know about these tiny yet troublesome creatures?
Well, firstly, they’re parasitic insects. Secondly, they don’t like bright lights. And thirdly, they do like a hearty meal of warm mammalian blood. Last but not least, they multiply fast – really fast. So it makes sense to keep a vigilant eye out for the first signs of these obnoxious little bedfellows.
If you have any suspicions that your household may have been invaded by Cimicidae, there are a couple of simple signs that you can look out for. One is to check your mattress to see if you can spot any smears – most likely to be bedbug blood or poo.
If you do come across any such smears don’t panic, though – this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a current infestation of bedbugs – only that the mattress has been infected at some juncture.
Another test that you can carry out is to rub the rim of your mattress, or around any button. If you see any movement, there’s a chance that you are sharing your place of slumber with other creatures. Now it is time for action.
Professional pest controllers are a good port of call if you want to tackle the problem head on. However, there are several measures that you can undertake yourself first. Wash all bed linen and all your clothes (even the ones in the wardrobe) at the hottest cycle recommended by manufacturers. Next tumble dry the bedclothes at a high setting.
As for surfaces that are covered in material, those are best left to the professional pest controllers, who will spray them along with the bed and the inside of your wardrobes. Two treatments should be sufficient to get rid of bedbugs from your home, leaving you to sleep peacefully in your own bed.