Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs, also known as "red coats", "chinches", or "mahogany flats", are very difficult to eradicate. They are more than a simple nuisance as they bite humans leaving itchy, red sores.

Physical Appearance:

Size: 1/4" - 3/8" (4 - 5 mm) long

Colour: Reddish brown or brown

Body: Flat, oval shaped, no wings

Eggs: Bed bug eggs are white and about the size of a pinhead

Breeding and Feeding Practices:

Where do they lay eggs?

In cracks and crevices in the floor or bed; when infestations are severe, bed bugs will be found behind wall hangings, picture frames, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, and other such places NOTE: like other insects, bed bugs can live in bird nests and old wasp nests. It is therefore worthwhile to inspect attics for old unused nests and remove them.

How many eggs are laid?

Each female lays approximately 200 eggs at a rate of 3 - 4 per day

What do they eat?

Bed bugs feed primarily on human blood, but will also feed on other mammals if humans are not present

When do they eat?

Primarily at night; however, if hungry, they will feed in the day

How long do they live?

2 weeks to a year and a half (depending on temperature and food availability)

Evidence of Bed Bugs

- Black spots where the bugs have been

-Blood stains on mattresses and sheets

-Presence of a musty, sweet odour in the room (like fresh raspberries)

-Presence of red, itchy spots on a person

NOTE: Not all people react to bed bug bites and therefore this is not the determining factor in detecting a bed bug infestation

Control:

When bed bugs are in one area of a building, eventual migration into other areas is certain. Consultation with a professional pest control company is mandatory, as bed bug infestations are very difficult to control.

There is a strong correlation between bed bugs in a building and bats in an attic or wall void. It is worthwhile to check these areas for bats and take appropriate measures to eliminate them.