Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are found world-wide and throughout the UK. They are nocturnal parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other mammals. By day they hide in crevices in beds, furniture, wallpaper and skirting boards etc, emerging when hungry, usually every few days, to feed.

How do I know if I have a bed bug infestation?

Bed bugs are not regarded as disease carriers but their blood feeding can cause severe irritation in some people, resulting in loss of sleep and lack of energy, particularly in children. The bite often gives rise to a hard, whitish swelling which distinguishes it from the flea bite which leaves a dark red spot surrounded by a reddened area. Heavily infested rooms may carry a distinctive and unpleasant almond-like smell that is given off by the bed bugs 'stink glands' 'Spotting' on bed linen may also indicate activity as the fully fed bugs excrete excess water before returning to their narrow crevices.

Treatment

Once a bed bug infestation has been confirmed it is important that a reputable pest control company carries out a thorough treatment with a residual insecticide spray or powder. It may be necessary to treat on more than one occasion to completely eradicate bed bugs.

To achieve the best results from a bed bug treatment it is important to carry out the following steps:

Before the treatment

1. All floors and upholstered furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove animal hair, debris, eggs and pupae. Particular attention should be given to known harbourage areas such as bedrooms and other sleeping areas. (The vacuum bag must then be disposed of in a plastic bag in an outside waste bin).
2. All bed linen and clothing should be removed from infested areas and washed on the hottest wash possible.
3. Toys, loose articles etc should be removed from the floor so that as much of the area can be treated as possible.
4. Where possible, beds and other known harbourages should be dismantled to allow them to be thoroughly treated.
5. Wardrobes, drawers etc should be emptied and the contents washed on the hottest wash possible.
6. Tiled, concrete, wooden floors etc should be swept and washed or vacuumed.
7. Remove all children, pets and unprotected people during the treatment and ensure that aquariums are removed or covered. (Fish are particularly susceptible to insecticides). Any open food should also be covered or removed.

Following the treatment

1. Adults, children and pets should not be allowed back into the house until the treatment has completely dried. (Normally within a few hours in a well ventilated property).
2. Do not vacuum for at least 10-14 days after the treatment. This will give the insecticide time to eliminate all stages of the bed bug infestation.
3. Thoroughly clean all food preparation surfaces before use.

Please Note

Bed bug activity may be observed for several days after the treatment. This is not unusual and may be due to newly hatched bed bugs that have not yet come into contact with the insecticide. These insects will eventually die but can be treated with a normal insecticide spray, (aerosol), which can be purchased from any supermarket, hardware shop or chemist.

Please note: there is a charge for treating bed bugs.

Charges - 2011/12

Domestic Properties - treatment of bedbugs is £72.70 per treatment (including VAT)

Commercial Properties - treatments of bedbugs is £72.70 per hour (including VAT)

There is a reduction for domestic treatment to a flat fee of £24.20 for those receiving the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income Support job seekers allowance
• Guaranteed Pensions Credit
• Housing Benefit
• A means tested Council Tax benefit

• Page last updated: 03 October 2011

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