West London Pest Control - Bedbugs Control & Bed Bug Treatments in West London

Some experts suggest that bedbugs are on the increase; up until a decade or so ago, bedbugs were rare in more affluent countries but it seems that our increased ability to not only travel, but our confidence to travel to far flung countries has given bedbugs the perfect vehicles to travel too – us!

Bedbugs, unlike some insects, do not spread disease or bacteria. They do bite humans – they are a blood-sucking insect – and for some people, these bites can be itchy and swollen. Constant itching, breaking the skin can lead to them being infected with bacteria from various sources.

Bedbugs must be dealt with but there are still many myths about this misunderstood insect; knowing their habits is important as eradication needs to break their life cycle in order to be successful:

• Adult bedbugs can be around 5 to 7mm in size, and reddish brown in colour. Their eggs and young are a little more difficult to spot but many people think that bedbugs cannot be seen
• Spots of blood on light coloured bedding can also be signs of bedbugs too
• They are attracted to carbon dioxide and warm bodies hence our beds make perfect feeding grounds during the night
• They hide in the smallest of places, most commonly the crevices of the bed frames but, bedbugs can be in the walls, behind skirting boards, plug sockets etc.
• Many people are mystified as to how bedbugs arrived in their home and why, after treatment they keep reappearing; a common source or reoccurring infestations is that bedbugs can crawl between cavities in walls hence the source might be your neighbours!
• Injecting both an anaesthetic and clot busting chemicals, the bedbug is able to bite and feed until they have had their fill, all without us being disturbed in our sleep
• Deep cleaning is required if there is a bedbug infestation but, heat is important in this cleaning process too; bedding and anything that can be washed should be laundered at a temperature of 60° or more.
• Bedding and other washed items should then be tumble dried at the highest temperature possible; if items cannot be washed, then freezing will kill bedbugs, their young and eggs
• Be prepared to repeat this after the major infestation has been dealt with as eggs can hide in the smallest cracks and hatch, producing bedbugs that will go on to bite and breed
• Chemical treatments will also need to be applied but again, they need to be in the correct concentration but also applied correctly; not all shop bought remedies will be of sufficient strength
• Bedbugs have started to develop resistance to certain treatments and chemicals too; using a local, professional pest control company will mean that they are up to date with all the changes in chemicals and treatments that are currently effective (or not!) for bedbugs, as well as other kinds of pests
• Many people attempt to deal with a bedbug infestation themselves as they are embarrassed to ‘admit’ to an infestation; bedbugs are not a sign of poor hygiene!
• Bedbugs are attracted to humans for warmth and blood – hygiene has nothing to do with it!
• Although not dangerous, they are a nuisance and the itchy lumps may need medication to decrease the inflammation

If you have bedbugs you will need our help; our comprehensive service will not only mean you are bedbug free, but that you also receive advice on how to prevent future problems too!