Adult bedbugs are about 3 mm long, wingless, and can only move by crawling. Each female bug may lay several hundred eggs over a period of months, providing food is available and the temperature is suitable. When no food is available or it is cold, an adult bedbug may remain inactive for up to one years. Eggs and immature individuals are more sensitive to cold and die below 13 degrees Celsius. A bedbug moults five times before becoming an adult. Bedbugs have transparent skin and the presence (or absence of blood) in the stomach can be easily seen. Because they can ingest up to seven times their body weight in blood in one feed, they can survive long periods without feeding. After mating takes place, Bed Bugs will lay up to 200 eggs. The nymphs that hatch out are miniature versions of the adult. There is no larval stage. The nymphs will molt several times over a period of 6-18 months before becoming an adult. There are many signs that you may have Bedbugs. Believe it or not the signs are not always obvious.
Bed bugs tend to be found in mattress corners, in between curtain joining, bed frames, skirting around walls and also plug sockets. It is for this reason why you need to get on to it as soon as possible (especially for hotels and back packers) as the infestation can travel from room to room via the plug sockets. It is a good idea to quarantine rooms either side of the infestation. Here are some signs to look for if you think you might have bed bugs.
Treatment There are a variety of treatment options, and will have to be customised on a case by case basis. Please call PestAway to arrange a free consultation. |
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