| Bed
Bugs feed mostly at night when the host is asleep. Bites cause small,
hard, red, swollen welts on the skin that may become inflamed and itch
severely. They have not been implicated in the transmissions of
diseases; their medical significance is usually limited to the
irritation from their bites.
Habitat
Over
time harbourage areas become filled with the moulted skins, faeces and
old eggshells of the resident Bed Bugs. These can have sweet, musty
odour - once squashed they have a similar odour to a "Stink Bug" found
on lemon trees.
Typical
hiding places are in the tufts, folds and seams of mattresses and in
cracks in the springs and bed frames. Harbourage is not limited to
these areas and in all cases all cracks and crevices need to be
inspected. This includes carpet edges, picture frames, curtain folds
and electrical fittings and any area into which they can squeeze.
Treatment
Control
of Bed Bugs requires total co-operation from the owner of the infested
premises. Washing of linen and infested areas with hot water alone will
NOT eliminate the problem as bed bugs will seek harbourage in other
areas. If an owner suspects a bed bug infestation they should first
ensure there is no chance of spreading the problem.
Do
not move Hoteliers or Backpackers until a thorough inspection of their
equipment and luggage is carried out. Bed bugs are great hitchhikers so
do not move bedding or furniture from the affected rooms as well. In
extreme cases it may be necessary to isolate all equipment and materials
that come into contact with the infected room. Even minor infestations
from a chance transfer can become a major problem. |
