What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, oval insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are known for being pests in homes, especially in bedding, furniture, and cracks and crevices.

You can identify bed bugs by their brownish colour, small size (about 5-7 mm when fully grown), and flat, oval shape. They often leave rust-coloured spots on bedding from their excrement.

Bed bugs can be brought into homes through luggage, clothing, used furniture, and other belongings. They can easily be picked up in places like hotels, public transport, and other high-traffic areas.

While bed bugs are a nuisance and their bites can cause itching and lead to infection from scratching, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans.

Bed bugs reproduce by laying eggs. A female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, and the eggs hatch into nymphs in about a week before maturing into adults.

Common signs include bites on the skin, small bloodstains on sheets, black or brown marks (excrement) on bedding, and a musty odour in the affected room.

Bed bug bites can be treated with topical antihistamines to relieve itching and over-the-counter creams to reduce inflammation. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Prevent bed bugs by regularly vacuuming your home, washing bedding at high temperatures, using protective mattress encasements, and being cautious when bringing second-hand furniture into your home.

Bed bugs spread by hitchhiking on objects like luggage, clothing, and furniture. They are often inadvertently carried from infested locations to new, uninfected areas.

Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night when their hosts are asleep. However, they can adapt and feed during the day if necessary.

Under optimal conditions, bed bugs can live for about 6 to 12 months. However, their lifespan can vary based on environmental factors and availability of food.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is important to act quickly. Start by cleaning and decluttering the area, washing affected bedding and clothing, vacuuming thoroughly, and consider consulting a pest control professional.

Professional pest control services have expertise and tools to effectively identify, treat, and eliminate bed bug infestations using methods such as heat treatment, chemical pesticides, and more.

No, bed bugs can infest various areas, including carpets, furniture, curtains, and even electrical outlets. They hide in tiny crevices during the day and come out at night to feed.

While it's possible to address small infestations with thorough cleaning and the use of store-bought insecticides, larger infestations typically require professional treatment to ensure complete eradication.