Bedbugs🤯

Humans are the preferred host for bedbugs

Bedbugs live exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood, but will feed on other mammals if necessary. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide in expired air, which is how they find their host. Bedbugs commonly target the shoulders and arms.

During feeding, the bedbug’s proboscis (feeding organ) swings forward and downward to pierce the skin of the victim. Saliva (containing an anticoagulant) is then injected, which is the cause of an allergic reaction in some people. Bedbugs take around five to 10 minutes to feed. As the bedbug engorges with blood, its colouring changes from light brown to rust-red.

Common hiding spots for bedbugs

The living areas favoured by bedbugs include:

·         Mattresses and bed frames, particularly along the seams

·         bedding such as sheets and blankets

·         beneath loosened edges of wallpaper

·         between the cracks of wooden floors

·         in wall cracks or crevices

·         carpet

·         furniture, particularly in seams and cracks.

Causes of bedbug infestation         

Bedbugs often hide in luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture. They are most often found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels, motels, hostels, shelters and apartment complexes. 
Any household can be invaded by bedbugs, but a high standard of hygiene can discourage bedbugs from spreading widely throughout a home.

Recognising a bedbug infestation

The first indication of a bedbug infestation may be the presence of bites. A thorough inspection of your premises, especially the common hiding spots, may also reveal:

·         the bedbugs themselves – however, due to their size, they are often hard to see

·         small bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses

·         rusty or dark spots of bug excrement on mattresses, bedding or walls

·         An offensive, sweet, musty odour from their scent glands, which may be detected when infestations are severe.

Symptoms of a bedbug bite

The bite of a bedbug has certain features, including:

·         Large weals that reduce to a red mark, then gradually fade over a few days

·         itchiness

·         reddening of the skin

·         localised swelling

·         formation of blisters

·         Small loss of skin tissue in some cases.