Ten Tips To Avoid A Bed Bug Infestation

In recent years the number of bed bug infestations reported have rocketed by an incredible 5000%, it would seem that there is no escape from these little blood suckers, they have infested homes, businesses, hospitals, care homes, and believe it or not they have even been found going for a ride on public transport!

So, why have bed bug infestation numbers increased so dramatically?

The answer is to this is a straight forward one - they can spread extremely quickly because they manage to hitch rides with unsuspecting individuals, they will hide in clothing, books, luggage even used furniture which people may purchase. They then trundle out at their new location and the breeding cycle can begin again and before you know it, there is an infestation in a somewhere new.

 The association between bed bugs and hotels or motels at the lower end of the accommodation market goes back a great many years, however these days this is increasingly not the case, bed bugs have been discovered in the most luxurious 5 star hotels too!  There have even been cases documented where children have taken bed bugs into school in their clothing or bags and the bed bugs have then transferred from child to child causing bed bug infestations to occur throughout the community served by the school.

The good news is - if you can call it that when you have a bed bug infestation to deal with - that there has been no evidence found to suggest that bed bugs carry or transmit disease when feeding on human blood. However, there is one risk which should be pointed out. If a bed bug has recently fed and filled up on blood which has become in some way infected and you happen to burst the blood filled bed bug there is a risk that the infection could be passed to you. Bed bugs are greedy little mites and are usually so full that it  takes only a small amount of pressure to make it burst, just moving in bed would be enough. Remember, bed bugs can live for up to a year without feeding so they do make the most of a victim when one is available!

If you suspect a bed bug infestation at home, work or in a hotel room what should you do?

Listed below you will find ten helpful tips which will help you carry out  a thorough, effective search by detailing for you what to look for and where to look. Even if you have no reason to suspect a bed bug infestation following these tips may help you prevent one in the future.

1 When you check into a hotel, no matter how good its  reputation - never assume it is  free of bed bugs! With this in mind the first thing you should do is examine the bed as this is the favourite hiding place for bed bugs. To do this remove the sheets and other bedding, then carry out a systematic visual and physical inspection of the mattress. Use your fingers to check along seams at the top and bottom. Ensure that you check round any buttons or handles or labels on the mattress for signs of bed bug activity. Also check the beds box spring for any rips in the fabric etc.

2. Next take a close look for any tiny, dark colored spots, in particular these are often found along the back of the head board - if you find any it is possible that these may be faecal matter left by bed bugs. You can confirm this if the spots stick to the surface, they will also leave a smear if wiped using a damp cloth. Whilst doing this rather unpleasant task take a bit of time to have a good look for any live bugs or skins which have been shed by growing bugs - the skins are translucent in color.

3. The final thing you should be on the lookout for are bed bug eggs. These are visible to the human eye and are about the size of a grain of rice and are white in color. You will very often find these nestling along the edge of the mattress seams.

4. It is also very important that you then methodically check other areas of the room and furnishings - bedside cabinets, dressing tables, closets etc. particularly in drawers and beneath free standing units. Clocks, radios, light switches and smoke alarms are among other favourite hiding places and are worth inspecting. A good rule of thumb is to check anywhere where the light is dim as these are the most likely places for bed bugs to hide out - remember, they are nocturnal creatures. If you have any doubts DO NOT unpack your clothing and personal belongings. Finding traces of powder in drawers and closets and along head boards this is usually an indication that bed bugs have been and may still be in residence.

5 One very wise move is to always ensure that your luggage kept off the floor and firmly closed at all times. This should prevent the bed bugs getting comfortable in your clothing and belongings and bringing a bed bug infestation to live with you. Most hotels etc. will provide a luggage rack in each room - USE IT!

6. If you notice a strong, unpleasant odour in a room this too can suggest that there may be a bed bug infestation. The smell has often been described as being sweet - a bit like fresh raspberries whilst others have described it as a "musty" smell.

7. Don't be fooled into a false sense of security because the hotel you are staying in is brand new and perhaps only opened its doors a few weeks or days before your stay. The person who spent the night before in your room may have brought bed bugs form the hotel  down the road or from their home, in his luggage or clothing! ALWAYS CHECK even in the most up market, new hotels.

8. If you are unfortunate enough to find signs of a bed bug infestation in your hotel room inform the management immediately and CHECK OUT - don't accept another room. Bed bugs do travel and can easily find their way from room to room.

9. Before you leave make sure you have no additional luggage i.e. bed bugs! This may seem like a real chore but it is necessary. Check ALL your luggage and belongings carefully, item by item. This may seem like taking things to the extreme but it is the only way to ensure that you are not taking home any unwelcome guests which are not always willing to leave again in a hurry! Don't forget to check you laptop and laptop case!

10. What do you do if you discover bed bugs in your clothing?  Well, firstly isolate any infected items then, ensure that the infected items are laundered in a hot wash and if possible tumble dried on a high heat. Once this is done place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag, away from other items which may still be infected until the bed bug infestation has been treated successfully.

Hopefully these tips should help you decide whether or not you have a bed bug infestation on your hands. If you are unfortunate enough to uncover such a problem in your home you will need a fast effective treatment. You can find about a variety of such treatments at http://treatmentofbedbugs.net

Bed Bug Bites - How To Get Relief

Did you have red, itchy bites on you body when you got out of bed this morning? Well, I'm sorry to say that there is every possibility that you have bed bugs if you do the welts or bumps on your body are bed bug bites!

Bed bugs belong to a family of bugs called the Cimicidaes - these are blood sucking pests which will prey on mammals and birds alike. All of the bugs found in this group are a similar reddish brown color, with the females being larger than the males. The females will lay their eggs in any cracks and crevices around walls and floors of private homes, hospitals, care homes - basically any environment that they have managed to invade. The eggs will hatch usually within four to five days and so the never ending cycle of a bed bug infestation begins.

The number of individuals suffering bed bug bites has increased dramatically all over the world and is still going up. The problem has most definitely occurred because the bed bugs have over time built up resistance to the chemical insecticides traditionally used to eradicate them. One of the better known insecticides of which this is true is Pyrethroid - it has been found that most of the bed bug population in the USA are now resistant to it.

Bed bug bites are not always easily diagnosed and at times can be mistaken for other skin conditions or bites from other insects. As a rule however, those who suffer an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic found in bed bug bites will discover risen red bumps or flat welts on exposed areas of skin which are usually very itchy and can cause great discomfort. On the other hand there are many people - thought to be around half of all people - who will have no visible bed bug bites what so ever - in cases like this it is very difficult to identify and eradicate the infestation effectively.

Reactions to bed bug bites do vary from person to person and factors such as the species of bug, the environment and skin type play a large part. There are rare occasions when the allergic reaction can cause illness. The most common effect that an infestation of bed bugs and the bed bug bites has is one of anxiety and stress as well as many sleepless nights. Of course the insomnia is not just caused by the itching but also by the fear of being bitten again because of coarse bed bugs are nocturnal. They are attracted to their food supply by the body heat, carbon dioxide from air breathed out and sweat from sleeping victims.

There are a number of ways to ease the symptoms of bed bug bites:

1. Topical corticosteroids - Hydrocortisone is probably the best known of these. These will relieve the itching and help heal the welts or bumps a little.

2. Systemic Corticosteroids - These will help with the burning and itching caused by the bed bug bites but will do nothing to calm the appearance of the rash.

3. Antihistamines - taking oral antihistamines will give relief from the itching but not much else.

4. One remedy which appears to be successful without involving any medicinal treatments is the use of heat. The application of hot flannels to the areas affected by the bed bug bites or blowing hot air onto it using a blow dryer eases symptoms. The use of hot water is also very effective however, a word of caution - to be affective the water has to be at a temperature of around 50 degrees Celsius so to avoid scalds great care must be taken.

Treatments for bed bug bites are all very well but the only really effective treatment is to eradicate the bed bugs from your home. The easiest way to do this is using a vacuum cleaner, a steam cleaner and a non toxic bed bug spray.