Bed Bug Basics

After World War II, widespread use of synthetic insecticides led to sharp declines in bedbug populations in most industrialized countries. By 1997 bedbugs were so scarce in the U.S and Europe that it was difficult to find fresh specimens for entomology classes. However many of the chemical compounds that were so successful in dealing with bedbug infestations have now been banned, due to possible long term health issues. 10 years later and bedbug populations thrive in homes, hotels, hostels, cruise ships, trains etc.

Bedbugs in hotels:

Most people are unaware of how common bed bugs actually are. Unless you are a regular hotel user you may never have reason to be concerned about them. Some hotels do take bed bugs very seriously and regularly perform deep cleans to minimize the chance of an bed bug control London infestation occurring. The most obvious thing to look out for will be blood spots on mattresses and linen, you may also be able to find eggs, skin molts even dead bedbugs. Have a look around before unpacking and if you have any concerns then let someone know don't accept a room where you suspect bed bugs are active. Before you leave to return home carefully check over your cases so that you ensure you're not bringing home any unwanted guests.

Bedbug infestations are on the rise:

In the past decade since bans against Organochlorine pesticides like DDT along with the increase of international tourism, bedbugs have increasingly become a problem. Research in recent years has shown that bed bugs have developed resistance to some pyrethroid insecticides, in particular deltamethrin. Don't panic if you have already had your home treated and the bedbugs are still active, it does not mean they are there for good. The main reason a treatment will fail is because of poor pesticide selection and application.

Bedbug bites:

Bed bugs are rarely seen during daylight as they hide away in cracks and crevices and it is because of this that you may not realize straight away that bedbugs are the source of the marks on your body. You may find a cluster of bites instead of single one this is typically caused by disturbing the bugs while they feed, causing them to detach and return to feed momentarily. Bites can be found anywhere on your body. The bites are not usually felt at first as the bedbug will inject a small amount of anesthetic as it begins to feed. You may notice the bite minutes or even hours after the bed bugs have returned to hiding. The reactions from the bite can last between 1 and 5 days.