Killem Pest Profile Series: What You Need to Know About Bed Bugs

what you need to know about bed bugs

What you need to know about bed bugs. Bed bugs are some of the most difficult pests to remove once they have taken hold in your home. Unlike other pests like mosquitoes or rodents, bed bugs do not actually spread disease. However, they are a very big nuisance because bits from bed bugs cause itching, which can lead to excessive scratching and thereby skin infection.

Being bitten by beg bugs at night also causes a loss of sleep.

They can get into the linen on the beds, which is how they got their name. However, you should not be fooled into believing that they only infest beds. They can also get into the carpets, curtains, and even clothing.

The Biology of Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs Close Up

Bed bugs have a brownish color before they have fed. After feeding, on the blood of animals and people, they turn a red color. The baby bed bugs are very difficult to see, as they do not have much color to them at all.

These six-legged creatures can reach up to a quarter of an inch long when they are adults.

They will mature in about 21 days, and they can live for several months without feeding. Females of the species can lay one to five eggs each day, and this is how they can spread and infest an area so quickly.

Get more facts about the bed bugs

How to Check for a Bed Bug Infestation

How do you know if you have a bed bug infestation? Some of the most common signs are:

  • Your children wake up and have skin that itches
  • You might also notice that there are small blood stains on your pillowcases and sheets from when the bed bugs have fed
  • You may see the shed skin and eggs from the bed bugs
  • You may even see the adults, even though they typically come out to feed on blood at night

Bed Bug Bites

What to Do When You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

Getting rid of bed bugs by yourself can result in many failed attempts. It is extremely difficult to do, and you would be much better served by having professionals in Singapore come in with the right equipment to take care of things.

There are several proven methods that can be used for treating an infestation and getting rid of bed bugs.

7 Tips on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

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bed blanket and pillows

Spray and Gas Treatment

A very popular and effective option is to use spray and gas treatment. This utilises dual spraying action, and it makes it possible to cover a large area in a short period. It can eliminate the bed bugs, as well as the eggs they have already laid.

Steaming

Another option is steaming. One of the benefits of this method is that the steaming can occur even if there are people and pets in the home at the time. This makes it a fast and efficient option, and it also happens to be environmentally friendly.

If you have signs of a bed bug infestation, do not wait to get the help you need. Get effective and professional bed bug control from Killem as we can take care of the problem right away.

get rid of bed bugs naturally infographic

Bed bug home remedies

Let’s look at some natural remedies for dealing with bed bugs. A common bed bug home remedy is essential oil bed bug spray. Commonly used oils for creating a natural bed bug killer spray are:

  • Peppermint
  • Thyme
  • Clove

The bed bug home remedy not only effectively eliminates bed bugs, it also provides additional protection to various sensitive spots around your home. This includes bedding, carpets, fabrics of all kinds and any furniture.

To use the bed bug spray, all you need is a spray bottle with distilled water and 10-20 drops of essential oils. Spray it on all prone areas and reapply 2-3 days later. This bed bug home remedy is an effective and natural way to get rid of bed bugs without the use of chemicals.

Other natural products to help get rid of bed bugs include:

  • Tea tree oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Cinnamon
  • Powdered Pepper
  • Lemon
  • Peppermint
  • Neem oil

How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bite Marks

Bed bug bite marks can be an annoying reminder of a bed bug infestation. It is important to resist the urge to scratch when treating bed bug bite marks, as it can lead to secondary infections or prolonged marks.

Some other steps involved in bed bug bite marks treatment and removal include:

  • Cleaning the affected area with mild soap and water to prevent any potential infections.
  • Using natural remedies like aloe vera or tea tree oil to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
  • Using creams containing hydrocortisone or antihistamines to reduce itching and help in the healing process.
  • For more severe cases, consulting a dermatologist is recommended

Remember, consistent care and patience are key in gradually fading and removing the bed bug marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye: adult bed bugs’ colour ranges from red to dark, they are oval in shape and look similar to the apple seed. Immature bed bugs are smaller in size and translucent whitish-yellow in color.

To spot the presence of bed bugs, check for the bites on your skin, reddish stains or dark spots on bed sheets or mattresses, or the presence of live or dead bugs and their eggs.

Bed bug bites appear on the parts of your skin that are not covered during the night, and look similar to mosquito bites – swollen red spots that often itch.