Bed Bugs

Why Treat Them?

Bed bugs are found world-wide and throughout the UK.  They are nocturnal parasitic insects which feed on the blood of humans and other mammals.

By day they hide in cracks and crevices in beds, furniture, wallpaper and skirting board etc., emerging when hungry to feed.

Bed bugs are not regarded as disease carriers but their blood feeding can cause severe irritation in some people, resulting in loss of sleep and lack of energy, particularly in children. The bite often gives rise to a hard, whitish swelling which distinguishes it from the flea bite which leaves a dark red spot surrounded by a reddened area.  Heavily infested rooms may carry a distinctive and unpleasant almond-like smell which is given off by the bed bugs’ “stink glands”.

“Blood spotting” on bed linen may also indicate activity as the fully fed bugs excrete excess water before returning to their narrow crevices.

If you do not wish or are unable to treat the bed bugs yourself, the Council’s Pest Control Service provides a treatment service.  This is subject to a charge.

Treatment:

Once a bed bug infestation has been confirmed it is important that a reputable pest control company carries out a thorough treatment with a residual insecticidal spray or powder. It may be necessary to treat on more than one occasion to completely eradicate bed bugs.

To achieve the best results from a bed bug treatment it is important to carry out the following steps:

Before the Treatment:

• All floors and upholstered furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove animal hair, debris, eggs and pupae.  Particular attention should be given to known harbourages such as bedrooms and other sleeping areas.  (The vacuum bag must then be disposed of in a plastic bag in an outside waste bin).
• All bed linen and clothing should be removed from infested areas and washed on the hottest wash possible.
• Toys, loose articles etc., should be removed from the floor so that as much of the area can be treated as possible.
• Where possible, beds and other known harbourages should be completely dismantled to allow them to be thoroughly treated.
• Wardrobes, drawers etc., should be emptied and the contents washed on the hottest wash possible.
• Tiled, concrete, wooden and any other hard floor surfaces should be swept and washed or vacuumed.
• Remove all children, pets and other people during the treatment and ensure that aquariums are removed or covered.  (Fish are particularly susceptible to insecticides).  Any open food should also be covered or removed.

Following the Treatment:

• Adults, children and pets should not be allowed back into the house until the treatment has completely dried (normally within a few hours in a well ventilated property).
• Do not vacuum for at least 10-14 days after the treatment.  This will give the insecticide time to eliminate all stages of the bed bug infestation.
• Thoroughly clean all food preparation surfaces before use.

Please Note:

Bed bugs often hide deep within cracks and crevices so the bed bug will only come into contact with the insecticide when it senses the presence of food and comes out to feed. For this reason it is recommended that people sleep in affected rooms after treatment: otherwise the bed bugs will not emerge from their harbourage and so will not come into contact with the insecticide.

Safety

Remember that all insecticides are poisonous and may be harmful if misused, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.  Store the insecticide in a safe place away from children and pets and dispose of empty containers properly.  Wash your hands after using any insecticide.

If you have any queries regarding bed bugs or require advice on other insect pests, contact the Pest Control Officers at Thanet District Council, who will be pleased to help.

E-mail:

environmental.health
@thanet.gov.uk 

Tel: 01843 577580

Fax: 01843 290906