Reasons for control
- Their blood feeding can cause severe irritation to some people
- Their blood feeding may result in lack of sleep and energy
- Excessive feeding of blood can cause anaemia in children
- They will leave blackish spots on furnishing from their excreta.
Biology
- Common bed bug (Cimex lectularius)
- Life cycle: Egg – Nymph – Adult
- They are reddish brown in colour and become purple after feeding
- All nymphal stages feed on mammalian blood
- Each nymph requires one full blood meal before they can moult
- It takes 5 moults before the nymph becomes an adult; this can take a few weeks to several months depending on food supply and conditions
- Feeding takes place at night or in the dark
- They can ingest up to 7 times their body weight in blood
- Heavy infestations are characterised by an odour that smells a bit like fresh raspberries.
Prevention & control
- High levels of hygiene and house-keeping
- Wash all bedding, curtains and clothing in hot water on a regular basis
- Vacuum and steam-clean carpets
- Remove dust, fluff and debris from cracks, crevices, seams on mattresses etc.
Treatment
Follow the same methods as above. When it is colder than -4 degrees C, (25 degrees F) place mattresses and furniture outside for several hours. This will freeze and kill the bed bugs. To eradicate the problem completely the premises must be treated with a suitable insecticide. Our treatment uses a suspension concentrate containing 1% Deltamethrin. It may be necessary to remove architraves, ceiling roses and skirting to ensure the insecticide reaches all areas.
Please contact the pest officer for an appointment and further advice.
Useful contacts for pest control matters