Bed Bug

Bath and North East Somerset Council Does Not provide a pest control service for the treatment of Bed Bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do they look like?

2. I think I have bedbugs, how will I know?

3. Can I treat the problem myself?

4. Is there anything I can do to prevent getting bedbugs?

Answers

A1.Bed bugs are flat oval insects about 6mm long, they are reddish- brown in colour and changing to a dark mahogany once they have eaten. Nymphs that are newly hatched are colourless.

A2.The first sign of an infestation are the blood stains found on bed sheets, this could be either from the bites or from crushed bugs. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects and will only feed from the host whilst it is sleeping. The bites caused by the bugs appear as red spots on the skin; these will normally appear on the arms upper body or torso. They cause itching which lasts a few hours. Waste from bed bugs can also be found near their hiding places. The waste consists of eggshells, faecal matter and shed skin.

A3. As bed bugs tend to hide in various places around the home it is important that a professional pest control officer/company carries out the treatment for successful eradication.

A4.Bed bug infestations are on the rise, mainly due to the increase of worldwide travel. Bedbugs are excellent travellers and holidaymakers can often carry infested suitcases back and infest their homes.

By following these tips you may be able to prevent an infestation:

  • Store any suitcases and bags off the ground and away from your bed when staying in any multi occupied establishments abroad or in the UK
  • If you have travelled and stayed in public accommodation then store your suitcase in an isolated area until you or a qualified pest Officer can thoroughly inspect it
  • When buying second hand furniture inspect it thoroughly looking for insects within the seams, cracks and crevices
  • Vacuuming the mattress and fabrics of the infested areas may help reduce the number of insects and eggs. The vacuum needs to be emptied outside into a sealed bag and disposed of in the outside bin. This will not prevent bedbugs but will help control numbers

 

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