What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) are a tiny bugs that feed on blood. They are called bed bug because they mostly live in or around the areas where we sleep so they can feed on our blood while we sleep. Bed bugs have existed for millions of years and have evolved to survive in harsh environments.
Does having bed bugs mean I am dirty?
Having bed bugs does not mean you are dirty. Bed bugs can travel easily from property to property in a variety of ways. The most common ways are through second hand furniture or in your suitcase from a hotel or holiday! As they are so small, they can hide anywhere, even on your clothing as you travel on public transport or to the office!
Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide as we exhale and to the smell of blood and mainly live in densely populated areas where there is an abundance of people and animals for them to feast upon.
How to find the signs of bed bugs
If you spot signs of bed bugs or even if you just wake up feeling itchy and are worried you might have bed bugs don’t panic. The first thing to do is follow our guide on checking for bed bugs. This will help you spot the warning signs such as blood spots, bites or clusters of dark spots on your bed frame.
Even if you don’t spot any of the signs of bed bugs, that doesn’t mean they are not there. Bed bugs are experts at hiding and will only emerge from their nest when they feel completely safe which is generally at night when you are asleep.
They are also very tiny and can be almost impossible to spot with the naked eye until they are fully grown.
What to do if you think you may have bed bugs
If you find signs of bed bugs, or even if you don’t but are still worried, please contact a bed bug professional for a consultation. Most will be able to identify an infestation from your description or some photos but occasionally they will need to visit your property to check.
How quickly can a bed bug infestation be dealt with?
An infestation can be removed quickly depending on the type of treatment. Chemical treatments will take longer to work as the bed bugs will need to ingest the poison before they die however the treatment may only take an hour. Heat treatments kill bed bugs instantly due to dehydration, but the process can take 4-6 hours depending on the size of the property.
Which treatment method is best for bed bugs?
The best treatment will depend on several factors, but mainly budget. Heat treatments can be more expensive and more intrusive but are generally considered to be much more effective than other treatments and often carry a 6 month guarantee.
Chemical treatments are cheaper but it can require several treatments to completely eradicate an infestation of bed bugs.
How does Heat Treatment work?
Heat treatment for bed bugs work by heating the infested area to 141 degrees and maintaining the temperature for up to 6 hours. We circulate the heat using powerful fans to ensure the whole area is heated.
The heat will cause the bed bugs, their eggs and nymphs to dehydrate and die. During the treatment, the bed bugs will usually emerge from their hiding place to try to escape from the heat. They will look for cold spots in an attempt survive.
We use a special thermal heat gun to check for cold spots where the bed bugs could seek salvation and move objects to allow the heat to penetrate these areas.
How will you know that the treatment has worked?
Once the treatment is complete, you will see dead bed bugs everywhere. Our customers are often shocked by the number of dead beg bugs they see on their return.
Our treatment comes with a 6-month guarantee, so you will have peace of mind that if the bed bugs return, we will return and re-treat the property.
Where can I find a bed bug heat treatment specialist?
Contact us today through our website for a free no obligation quote. We have over 10 years of pest control experience and cover all areas of London, Hertfordshire, Essex and Kent.
Our vans are unmarked, so our service is completely discrete, so you don’t need to worry about nosy neighbours!
We are 5 star reviewed on Google reviews and offer a six month guarantee on all of our heat treatments.
