Pest Spotlight: 6 Bedbug Questions Answered

Bedbugs: they are the insects that we all cringe at the thought of. You might have heard something about what they look like or how they spread, but these little insects are actually more complex than they might seem at first glance. It might surprise you to know that bedbugs feed on human blood, for instance. Or that getting an established infestation under control and eradicating it is not as simple as it seems. Keep reading to find out all about bedbugs, and where to go for professional pest control services for all your bedbug and other pest needs.

What are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are tiny insects, without wings, that feed on human blood. They are nocturnal, so they are typically active at night, rather than during the day. Bedbugs are found all over the world, though there are two distinct species of insect. Cimex Lectularius is also known as the common bedbug, while Cimex Hemipterus is a type of bedbug that is usually found only in the tropics.

Bedbugs are generally about half a centimetre in length, have six legs, and have a large mouth. They are typically brown in colour, though they change to a rusty-red colour after they have eaten.

Feeding exclusively on blood, these insects are able to find hosts first by sensing carbon dioxide, and secondly by the warmth of the host. They need to feed every five to seven days, and they will leave the shelter of their hiding place to find food at night. If they are disturbed by light or if they do feed on blood, they then retreat back to the safety of their dark home.

Where Can They Be found?

Bedbugs love to hang out in dark hiding spaces such as cracks and seams in walls, the cracks between floorboards, and of course, the mattresses that they get their name from.

Other places you might find bedbugs are hiding underneath wallpaper that has become loose and started to peel away, in carpet, and of course, in other bedding like quilts, sheets, and blankets.

How Do Bedbugs Spread?

Unlike other pest infestations, such as the cockroach, a bedbug infestation is not generally a result of poor hygiene. Contrary to popular belief in fact, in most cases, it has little to do with hygiene or lack thereof. Rather, they are particularly common in places like hotels, motels, and hostels, as they have many guests coming and going frequently.

The bedbugs can then spread through eggs or insects travelling to another dwelling on clothes or luggage. This is why bedbugs can be such a problem during travel and are becoming increasingly common during airplane travel.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Bedbug Issue?

It is generally most easy to identify a bedbug issue from the signs and symptoms that may be on the human host or hosts. This is due to the fact that, due to their tiny size, the bedbugs themselves can be difficult to spot. Something that you can look out for on the bed is small red spots of blood on sheets that come from crushed bedbugs.

There are also some symptoms of bedbug bites that you can look out for, for instance, large red lesions or spots on the skin that mark the site of the bite. You can also be on the lookout for itching, a rash, or even hives.

How Can I Treat Bedbug Bites?

There are several things you can do to mitigate the effects of bites from bedbugs. These include using topical creams to stop any itching, such as calamine lotion, as well as attempting not to itch at all. In addition, if there is any swelling, you can apply an icepack in order to reduce this, and you can also wash the bites with antiseptic soap to try and help prevent infection.

It is essential, however, to see your doctor immediately if the bites do become infected.

What is an Effective Treatment for Bedbugs?

If you have a bedbug infestation, especially an established one, it is often necessary to call in pest control experts. Washing sheets and bedding and vacuuming and cleaning mattresses can sometimes only take you so far, and that’s where the professionals step in.

Make sure you brush up on the governmental guidelines for pest control and then keep reading to discover where to go when you need professional pest control.

Do You Need Pest Control Services?

Whether you have a bedbug infestation or another pest issue, look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions. As a proud family-owned business, we provide fantastic customer service and exceptional pest management and control. Our team of fully licensed and trained pest controllers is ready to help with all your pest control problems. Rest assured, you will be more than satisfied with the results.

So, if you need pest control services, call us at 0402 945 187, or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.