Bed Bugs
Cimex Lectularius
Bed bugs are small, brown-reddish insects that can grow up to 4-5 mm. However, unlike ants, the shape of their bodies is oval. They are deprived of wings but are excellent climbers.
Bed bugs don't go through a full metamorphosis. The newly hatched ones are pretty similar to the adults in shape, only smaller and translucent. They're called nymphs.
Nymphs require blood in order to grow and it takes around 8 weeks to fully develop.
How do bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs are one of the world's greatest travellers. They are hitch-hikers and rely mostly on humans to help transport them. They are often transported via clothing, purses, luggage, bedding and furniture. If you stayed at a place where bed bugs were present, you would most probably carry them into your home as well.
Signs of a bed bug infestation
Waking up covered in red, itchy spots is one of the potential signs of a bed bug infestation. Other symptoms might include:
- Finding blood stains on your pillow or your bedsheets;
- Dark or black spots around the mattress seams - bed bug droppings;
- Bed bug eggshells around the seams and bed frames;
- Encountering a living specimen.
How to proceed if you have a bed bug infestation
In case you suspect bed bugs have infested your bedroom, it's important not to attempt a DIY treatment. The resilience of these parasites hilariously outclasses commercial products to insecticides. All the over-the-counter sprays will do is alert them that the jig is up and force them to spread even further.
Another point is that beds aren't the only furniture bed bugs are likely to infest. Upholstered furniture is vulnerable, in general, so your sofa and armchair aren't immune, either. If you suspect something is afoot, don't hesitate to call in the cavalry - professional bed bug treatment. Furthermore, it takes 6-10 days for eggs to hatch, so a second treatment would be advisable to deal with the nymphs once they hatch.
Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!
