December 14th, 2023

Preventing Bed Bugs

A Guide to Protecting your Mattress from Bed Bugs

From homeowners to hotel managers bed bugs have become a growing concern. In this post, we will delve into a little more information about bed bugs and measures for preventing bed bugs from setting up a home in your mattress.

What are bed bugs

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They belong to the Cimicidae family and are known scientifically as Cimex lectularius. These wingless insects have a flat, oval-shaped body, and their size is comparable to that of an apple seed.

Bed bugs are nocturnal, which means they are primarily active during the night, and they are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that humans and animals emit. They feed by piercing the skin with their specialized mouthparts and drawing blood. After feeding, their bodies become engorged and take on a reddish hue. Bed bug infestations are not necessarily a sign of poor hygiene, as these pests are more attracted to the presence of hosts for their blood meals rather than the cleanliness of the environment. (Read more from the NHS)

How are bed bugs transmitted?

Bed bugs do not fly or jump, but they can crawl rapidly. This enables them to travel between rooms with a building, such as apartment blocks and hotels. Bed bugs can also be introduced into a building through various means. They are generally brought in hiding inside luggage, used furniture, and clothing. 

Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs

One of the challenging aspects of dealing with bed bugs is their ability to hide in small cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect.

  • Check any used furniture that you bring into the home or building. Look especially carefully in the seams, cracks and under cushions.
  • When traveling place your bag or suitcase on a stand away from the carpet, bed or soft furnishings.
  • Check your bag when you return home.
  • If you suspect anything wash clothes in a hot wash / dryer.
  • Seal opening, cracks and crevices where pipes, wires etc. come into the bedroom or home.

Checking for bed bugs

Preventing Bed Bugs

Bed Bug

Bed bugs are easily visible to the human eye.  In addition their shed skins and droppings will be visible especially in seams or folds. Small blood stains may also be appear on sheets.

If you suspect bed bugs then remove clutter and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding with a hot wash and put in a hot dryer at least 30 mins. Steam cleaning is also very effective against bed bugs (read more). If you suspect you have an infestation then you can read more here.

 

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