It’s the news nobody wants to hear, bed bugs are on the rise. From high-profile outbreaks in major cities to a steady increase in reports across Chester, Wrexham and North Wales, these hitchhiking pests are becoming a common headache for homeowners and landlords alike.
At Pickles Pest Control, we believe that when it comes to bed bugs, knowledge is your best defense. Here is what you need to know to protect your home and stop the bed bugs biting.
Why are Bed Bugs Back?
For a while, bed bugs were relatively rare, but they have made a massive comeback. There are three main reasons for this:
- Increased Travel: Bed bugs are world-class hitchhikers. They cling to suitcases, clothing, and backpacks.
- Resistance: Many DIY sprays found in shops are no longer effective as bed bugs have developed resistance to common insecticides.
- The “Second-Hand” Boom: While buying vintage furniture is great for the planet, it’s a common way to accidentally introduce “stragglers” into your bedroom.
How to Spot an Infestation
Bed bugs are nocturnal and incredibly good at hiding in tiny cracks. You likely won’t see the bugs themselves first; instead, look for these three tell-tale signs:
- Bites: Small, red, itchy bumps, often appearing in a straight line or a cluster on arms, legs, or shoulders.
- Blood Spots: Tiny droplets of blood on your sheets or pillowcases from accidental crushing during the night.
- Dark Spots: Small dark clusters (fecal matter) found in the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, or even under loose wallpaper.
Where to Look for Bed Bugs
- Mattress seams and piping
- Bed frame joints and slats
- Behind bedside tables and inside drawers
- Along the edges of carpets and skirting boards
Myths vs. Reality
Myth: Bed bugs only live in dirty houses. Reality: Bed bugs do not care about cleanliness. They are attracted to heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. They are just as likely to be found in a 5-star hotel or a spotless family home as anywhere else.
Why DIY Bed Bug Control Fails
We understand the temptation to grab a “bug bomb” from the supermarket. However, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate.
• They Hide Deep: Aerosols often don’t reach the cracks where eggs are hidden.
• The Scatter Effect: Harsh chemicals can cause the colony to scatter into other rooms, making the problem much larger and harder to treat.
• The Life Cycle: If you don’t kill the bed bug eggs, the infestation will return in a few weeks.
What Should You Do If You Find Them?
1. Don’t Panic: They are a nuisance, but they don’t transmit diseases.
2. Don’t Move Rooms: Sleeping on the sofa will only draw the bugs into the living room, spreading the infestation.
3. Wash on Hot: Any suspected bedding or clothing should be washed at 60°C or placed in a tumble dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.
4. Call in the Experts: Professional heat treatments or industrial-grade residual sprays are the only guaranteed ways to clear an infestation.
If you’re worried about a bed bug infestation in your home, rental property, or business, don’t wait for the problem to grow. We provide discreet, effective, and local pest control services across Wrexham, Chester and North Wales.