Calming Fears and Dealing with Bed Bugs.
The very mention of bed bugs can be enough to send a shiver down your spine. Fortunately this bug is not actually as bad as many people think it is.
The Bed Bug – Know Your Facts
According to the latest research the number of bed bugs is rising; in fact they may have increased by as much as 4,500% in parts of Australia since the year 2000.
These tiny bugs are known to come out at night and feed on human blood. This is often what makes people so anxious; they picture miniature vampires.
In reality bed bugs are approximately 5mm in size, they are dark red / brown and you should be able to see them with your eyes.
What is interesting is that bed bugs are able to survive for approximately 6 months between feeding. They are not actually capable of spreading disease but it is possible that the body louse can spread trench fever and typhus.
The best way to kill the bed bugs is to do your laundry! Washing your sheets on a hot wash will actually kill some of the bed bug; but not all of them.
But, dry your sheets in the dryer on high and you are certain to kill all of them. All it takes is 30 minutes on high!
Defending Against The Bed Bug
You can simply call your local pest control service and get them to perform a check and clean of your home; ensuring there are no bed bugs to bother you.
However, while this is a great idea to deal with an infestation or even to check you don’t have one; this is not something you can do every night!
Fortunately there are a few simple precautions you can take to make sure bed bugs are never an issue to you:
1. Check Creases
Bed bugs will hide almost anywhere; this is why they can be easily brought home from a hotel or other establishment.
Check the stitched edges of your mattress, any folds in your mattress and sheets and even along the edges of your bed frames.
You will be able to spot them if they are there and then you can deal with them.
2. Vacuum Often
This is unlikely to be effective at removing eggs but it can get rid of adult bed bugs and the cast skins from these parasites as they grow bigger.
It is advisable to use a vacuum with a disposable bag and then get rid of the bag outside of your home to ensure the bed bugs are gone.
3. Inspect Regularly
You’ll know if the bed bugs have been biting you as you’ll have red marks on your body after you’ve slept. They will be itchy although are very unlikely to pose a threat to your health.
To help avoid this scenario you should have your home checked on a regular basis by a pest control expert. They can advise re bed bugs and how to ensure your house is safe from other pests.
