Do you suspect that you have a bedbug infestation? Then it's important that you get it dealt with as soon as possible. But how do you get bedbugs, how do you recognise them and how can you fight them? Find out here!
What are bedbugs?
Bed bugs are small insects also known as bed bugs. They have earned their name, as they are mainly found in and around beds. Originally from the tropics, they are found everywhere. This does not sound very cosy and it is not at all, because they survive on the blood of animals and humans. Because they are so small, they can be a real plague. You can hardly see them and they reproduce at a rapid pace.
Are bedbugs dangerous?
Bedbugs are dirty, nasty creatures. Nobody likes to have them as a guest. It's only natural, because they are like little vampires whose main purpose is to feed on your blood. This all sounds very nasty, but actually you don't need to be afraid of bedbugs. They don't spread disease. They are just a nuisance, causing terrible itching and preventing you from sleeping.
How do you get bedbugs?
Bedbugs are becoming more and more common, even among us. But how exactly do they get into your bed? Often you can get bedbugs by spending the night somewhere else. If you go on holiday, for example, the bedbugs that live there can travel in your suitcase. As you can hardly see them, you will not notice that you are carrying an unexpected guest. Therefore, always be careful when travelling and preferably wash your clothes locally.
Bedbugs from poor hygiene?
Most people think that bedbugs are attracted by poor hygiene. However, this is not the case. Anyone can get bedbugs, no matter how hygienic you are! Nevertheless, it is very important to change your bed often enough, as this way you can better check it for bedbugs. Moreover, the critters prefer a nice warm environment, so changing your bed makes it unattractive!
How to recognise bedbugs
You can only fight bedbugs once you have established that you are actually suffering from them. Therefore, it is useful to know how to recognise bedbugs. It's important to know that bedbugs mostly hide in bedrooms, especially in the bed. However, that doesn't mean they can't be found in other rooms. If you suspect bedbugs, it's important to check each room thoroughly, and the bedroom should be inspected twice as thoroughly. But what exactly should you look for?
When checking for bedbugs, look for dark brown to dark red oval "dots" about 5 millimetres in size. These are the bedbugs! Look especially on your mattress, but also in your bedside table, behind the headboard, between the slats and even behind cracks in wallpaper.
Bedbugs like to hide well. If you don't notice something right away, it doesn't mean there are no bedbugs. They mostly emerge during the night and hide during the day. Fortunately, there are a number of other ways to recognise them. For example, if you find dark flecks of blood on your bedding, this could be a sign that bedbugs are present. These bloodstains are the excrements of bed bugs. They are tiny (0.5 mm), so you have to be really careful to see them.
You may also find molt skins on your mattress. These are light in colour and are flat and oval shaped, just like the bedbug. Eggs can also sometimes be seen between the seams of your mattress. If there is a large infestation, you can even smell them. Bedbugs give off a sweet odour because they produce an oily secretion to ward off their enemies. And finally, that terrible itch often accompanied by red bumps (bedbug bite) is also a good indicator!
Fighting bedbugs
Are you almost certain you are dealing with bedbugs? Then you need to fight your bedbugs. You should do this as quickly as possible, as these creatures reproduce at lightning speed. But how do you do it? Fighting bedbugs is not something you do lightly. These little creatures hide everywhere and are so small that fighting them yourself is practically impossible. So call in the help of a pest controller as soon as possible. Of course, you shouldn't be discouraged, because there are a number of things you can do yourself to prevent worse. Here are some bedbug fighting tips!
