Have an infestation of bedbugs? Want to get rid of these pests but don’t know how? Read on for information on how to safely remove these unwanted guests!
What is a bedbug?
A bedbug is an oval shaped, red-brown 6 legged insect that can grow to the size of an apple seed when fully mature. These creepy crawlies have lived on this planet for thousands of years and through evolution, they have perfected their hitchhiking skills, attaching themselves to clothing, luggage, fabrics, furnishings… you name it, they will have attached themselves to it! The real problem with bedbugs is the fact that they bite humans and animals, commonly in the night-time, and will feed off of our blood leaving nasty, sore, welts! There are many types of bedbugs across the world but the most common type in the United Kingdom is the Cimex Lectularius. Bedbugs are becoming an increasing issue across the globe, mainly due to humans travelling more and transporting these creatures from person to person. Have an issue with bedbugs? Want to know how to get rid of them? Keep on reading for various pest control options!
Chemical treatments as a pest control option:
When considering the use of chemical treatments for bedbugs it is essential you instruct a fully qualified and licensed company who can apply this treatment safely. We recommend the use of Permethrin and Tetramethrin as the best protection against a bedbug infestation due to the long term effects of these chemicals. When selecting an insecticide there are a variety of categories that should be considered. These are:
-A contact, fast acting, insecticide that can be used on a variety of surfaces such as sofas and mattresses.
-A residual insecticide that can be used inside cracks and crevices where many bedbugs hide.
– A dust based insecticide that can also be used in cracks and voids such as electrical sockets.
A thorough insecticide treatment normally takes around 2 to 3 visits in order to be effective as it is unlikely that one treatment would be enough. Once the treatment has taken place we recommend home owners waiting until the chemicals have dried before re-entering your property.
Heat treatments as a pest control option:
Heat treatment is often the preferred method of pest removal. It works by targeting a temperature of 50°C for two hours on the insect. Our specialists gradually super-heat the infected rooms with mobile convection heaters. The hot air is then circulated around the rooms and allows all of the nooks and crannies to be penetrated by the heat. When the bedbug is heated up to around the 45°C mark, the DNA begins to break down and the cell stops functioning as it usually would do, meaning the bedbugs are no more! Heat treatment is also an excellent way to treat bedbugs in all of their stages, including and most importantly, the eggs! The use of heat treatments is an eco-friendly option and allows homeowners to get back into their rooms straight after the treatment with no need for cleaning furniture or walls down. The real benefit of this pest control option is the ability to use your home straight away and knowing that the treatment can be completed in one visit.