The common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is the best adapted to human environments. It is now found throughout the world and lives off the blood of humans. Adult bedbugs are a reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless. A common misconception is that they are not visible to the naked eye. Adults grow to 4-5 mm in length and do not move quickly enough to escape your notice. Newly hatched nymphs are translucent, lighter in color and continue to become browner and moult as they reach maturity. Bedbugs are generally active only at dawn, with a peak feeding period about an hour before sunrise. Attracted by warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide, the bug pierces the skin of its host with two hollow tubes.

Low infestations may be difficult to detect, and it is not unusual for the victim not to even realize they have bedbugs early on. Patterns of bites in a row or a cluster are typical as they may be disturbed while feeding. Bites may be found in a variety of places on the body.

In most observed cases a small, hard, swollen, white welt may develop at the site of each bedbug bite. This is often surrounded by a slightly raised red bump and is usually accompanied by severe itching that lasts for several hours to days. Later, however, the welts subside but tend not to disappear like those from mosquitos, and persist for up to several weeks. This usually depends on the person’s skin type, environment and the species of bug.

Bed Bugs (Cimex Lectularius)

A technique for catching bedbugs in the act is to have a light source quickly accessible from your bed and to turn it on at about an hour before dawn, which is usually the time when bedbugs are most active. A flashlight/torch is recommended instead of room lights, as the act of getting out of bed will cause any bedbugs present to scatter before you can catch them. If you awaken during the night, leave your lights off but use your flashlight/torch to inspect your mattress. Bedbugs are fairly fast in their movements, about equal to the speed of ants. They may be slowed down if engorged.

The only effective programme of control for these insects is a thorough one. Bed bugs can and will infest adjoining bedrooms and floors below and above as the infestation grows or if a host is not available in the immediate vicinity. In ensure control is obtained a thorough survey is recommended by a competent pest control company and a Integrated pest management programme put in place. An initial intensive treatment is required followed by at least four follow up treatments to ensure that the infestation is eradicated, anything less may fail to bring this pest under control. The only professional way that a bed bug infestation can be assessed and costed is through a thorough site survey.

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