DRE PEST CONTROL BLOG

Killing bed bugs with chemical-free heat treatment

07/12/2018

Bed bugs are a big problem, especially for hotels and B&B’s, however bed bugs are found in virtually every place people tend to gather, including homes, hotels, schools, offices, retail stores and even public transportation.    

 

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that feed on the blood of animals or humans while the sleep, hence the name bed bug. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding their bodies swell and turn a reddish/ blood colour. Bedbugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings.

 

 

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed.
• Dark spots on your bedding and mattress (about this size: •)
• You might notice bed bug eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale-yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
• Live adult bed bugs are almost as big as your little finger nail, you should be able to see them.

Where do you find bed bugs?

Bed bugs are generally found on bedding and mattresses; however, evidence of bed bugs can be found in skirting boards, light fittings, headboards and even in the cracks and cervices of bed frames and bedside furniture. They also like to hide in suitcases, which is the most common way for bed bugs to travel from one place to another (even across continents).  
 

Effective heat treatment for bed bugs

The advantages of steam: a totally natural solution for treating bed bugs
 

At DRE Pest Control Cambridge we use heat treatment and steam as a highly effective but low environmental impact method for eliminating bed bugs, bed bug larvae and bed bug eggs, which does not require the use of insecticides.
 

• At the first treatment, the superheated dry steam (heated to 180 degrees) is able to eliminate 100% of bed bug eggs and more than 90% of the adult insects.
• HPMed is a water-alcohol solution able to remove the bad smells generated by bed bugs. 
• After treatment the premises are reusable immediately, no waiting or residue. It's effective, fast and the flow of steam can be directed into bed bug nesting areas, to reach even the most hidden corners hardest to treat.

Bed bug prevention

• Vacuum suitcases after traveling and do not bring them into the bedroom
• Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots.
• Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections.
• Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home without thoroughly examining for signs of a bed bug infestation. You might consider having a pest control professional inspect the furniture as it is difficult to detect an infestation if you are untrained.
• Regularly inspect areas where pets sleep for signs of bed bugs.

Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an bed bug infestation.