The British are being warned of an expected spike in bed bugs as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
A national trade organization is telling households to watch out for pesky insects when people start moving again.
Members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) reported a decrease in bed bug-related stakes during the COVID-19 lockdown, but bed bugs can live without feeding for up to a year – a room that has not been used for several months be empty it seems.
They travel randomly and can be carried on items such as luggage and used furniture. Bed bugs also migrate in search of a human host.
BPCA Technical Director Dee Ward-Thompson said, “Bed bugs are ectoparasites with a knack for travel.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
“They’ll hide in crevices in beds, surrounding furniture, behind baseboards, under loose wallpaper, and even in electrical outlets.
“Signs of bed bugs are red, irritating bites, typically in rows on the neck, shoulders, back, legs or arms.
“You can also see small reddish-brown grapes or dark stains (about 1 mm wide) that look like an ink dot on the bed frame, the upholstery or the underside of the mattress.
“Bed bugs, their moulting skins, pale white eggs, and empty egg shells are quite small but still visible to the human eye.
“The adult bed bug is roughly the size and color of an apple pipe, depending on its stage of life.
“We recommend looking for evidence in and around bed frames or sleeping areas.
“If you see any signs of bed bug infestation, we strongly encourage you to act immediately and contact a professional pest control company that is a member of the BPCA.”
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Adult bed bugs are wingless insects that resemble a small brown disc up to 6 mm in length. The early stages of bed bugs are tiny, making them difficult to see with the naked eye.
Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but their bites cause red, irritating spots or lumps. Some people may develop a severe skin reaction and experience difficulty sleeping. The presence of bed bugs can lead to significant stress and distress.
BPCA warns of amateur treatments that can prolong an infestation and cause it to spiral out of control.
Dee added, “Self-treating a bed bug infestation is unlikely to be successful. A trained professional will have the technical knowledge and access to a range of products and equipment for professional use that are not available to the public.
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“Pest technicians are given numerous assignments to treat properties for bed bugs. So if you have problems, you are not alone.”
BPCA has created a comprehensive guide to bed bugs, which can be found at www.bpca.org.uk/bedbugs
For more information on malware problems or to find a BPCA member, visit: www.bpca.org.uk/find
