Bed Bugs

Bed bug adults are reddish-brown, 4 to 5 mm long and 1.5 to 3 mm wide before feeding. Their flat shape enables them to readily hide in cracks and crevices. Engorged adults tend to be swollen and dull red. The eggs are white, oval, about 1 mm long and covered in a sticky film which allows them to adhere to surfaces. A newly hatched nymph is almost colourless whereas engorged nymphs are reddish and swollen.

Bed bugs feed on a variety of warm blooded animals with humans being there preferred host. Bed bugs usually hide in cracks or mattresses during the day (Preferably near their host) and emerge at night to feed. They inject saliva as they feed and allergic reaction to this substance often causes slightly delayed swelling, itching and burning. Under favourable conditions, each female lays 200 to 500 eggs and they will hatch in around 10 days. Adults often survive up to 2 months without food, but under certain circumstances can live 12 months or more without feeding.

The first step to dealing with bed bugs is to locate all of their favourite hiding places. Furniture, fittings and even gaps in wallpaper must be inspected carefully for bed bugs, even to the point of dismantling beds and lifting carpets for easier inspection and possible treatment. Applications are best done as a "crack and crevice" treatment to known or potential harbourages, as well as using a broad band residual insecticide through a coarse sprayer or as an insecticide for the rest of the room.