(Cimex lectularius)
Bedbugs are round flat insects of a rich reddish brown colour that cannot fly. They either crawl or are moved around in clothing, luggage and furniture etc. Adults grow to 4 to 5 mm (one-eighth to three-sixteenths of an inch) in length.
In temperate climates bedbugs reach their peak numbers towards early autumn. Bedbugs do not carry disease, but their blood feeding can cause severe irritation in some people, resulting in loss of sleep, lack of energy and listlessness, particularly in children.
Treatment
The treatment involves the property being sprayed or dusted with a broad-spectrum residual insecticide. Infestation can be due to poor housing conditions or brought in on luggage/old furniture.
What do I need to do before treatment?
- To avoid cross-infestation to other areas, DO NOT move items from one room to another.
- Clear the floor as much as possible but do not move items to another room.
- Vacuum up before we visit, empty the vacuum cleaner outside and place the contents in a bin-bag, seal and leave outside (preferably in a bin).
- Strip linen from beds. The linen and any clothing items which can be washed in a HOT wash (minimum 45ºC), should be left in the room. The Pest Control Officer will provide a soluble bag. Place the items to be laundered in the bag, seal and launder.
- Small items such as soft toys etc may be bagged, sealed and placed in a freezer for a week.
- Any accumulated rubbish should be bagged, sealed and put in an outside bin or taken to be disposed of at a Council recycling centre.
- Any items that are to remain in the room should also be treated.
- All fish tanks must be switched off and covered during treatment, which could take approx 2-3 hours. Occupiers and pets should not be present during fogging and will need to leave the property for 3-4 hours.
If you wish to book a treatment please telephone 01480 388319
Please note that we only operate within the boundaries of Huntingdonshire District Council. Please see the link on the right to view our boundaries.