Although bed bugs do not seem to be involved with any serious disease transmission, their bites at night can prove very irritating, even unbearable at times. They have piercing and sucking mouthparts and are blood suckers at all stages of their development.
The bed bug is of wide distribution throughout the world and is typically associated with the sleeping quarters of hotels, motels, hostels and dormitory type facilities. As they are transported around in furniture, luggage, clothes etc, they can establish themselves in domestic situations after people have returned from holidays or business trips. Bed bugs spend most of their time hiding in places such as behind skirting boards and architraves, cracks and crevices in furniture, behind wallpaper and in bedding. They then leave their harbourage areas in the early hours of the morning in search of the host animal, which primarily is humans, however other animals such as cats and dogs can serve for feeding.
Prior to implementing any treatment measures a thorough inspection to the premises must first be carried out. Areas inspected should include furniture, wall linings, skirtings, architraves, curtains, light fittings, picture frames and railings, shelves, appliances and bedding. Once harbourage areas are identified the careful application of a residual insecticide can then be applied.
