BED BUGS
There are two species of bed bugs that are the most common culprits for bites; the Common Bed bug (Cimex lectularis) is the most common culprit for bed bug infestations in Zimbabwe. These insects obtain their food by sucking blood from humans, typically at night whilst sleeping. Bed bugs feed almost exclusively on humans and can be found all over the world where people live. Tests have shown that they are unable to transmit diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
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Bed bugs are easily transported around in luggage items or clothing and are surprisingly common in public places such as airports, hotels, offices, gyms and public transport. Once they become established, they are notoriously difficult to eradicate without professional help.
How serious is a bed bug problem?
Bed bug bites can have virtually no effect on your skin, or they can cause large irritating blisters and everything in between. Scratching bed bug bites and failure to keep the bites clean and disinfected may lead to a secondary infection that can cause further swelling and bleeding. Children, the elderly and individuals with weak immune systems, particularly those who are bedridden, may develop secondary infections that result from bed bug bites.
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Bed bugs can also trigger traumatic psychological effects on some people resulting in anxiety, stress and insomnia and in some serious cases delusional parasitosis.
What are the signs of a bed bug problem?
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Bed bugs are flat and small in size (4-5mm long x 1.5-3mm wide), allowing them to hide easily from view during the day when they are not active. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, bedding, furniture, carpets, baseboards and bedroom clutter. They are most commonly found in the seams of mattresses or inside box springs. However, it is not necessary to locate a specimen to identify an infestation. Their excrement leaves brown to black stains on mattresses and linens, and bloodstains may be visible where bed bugs have been accidentally crushed.
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Blood spots found on one's sheets.
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Presence of bed bug faeces and cast skins.
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Bites are commonly found on the parts of the body that are more likely to be exposed to bed bugs during sleep - the hands, neck, face, shoulders, legs and arms. While not always the case, bed bug bites are often grouped together in a small area and at times may occur in a line or a zigzag pattern. Bites normally look like small, flat or raised areas that may become inflamed, itchy, red or blistered. Bed bug bite reactions don’t always appear immediately after you’re bitten and may take a few days to begin causing symptoms.
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If you develop a rash after being bitten by a bed bug, avoid scratching the affected area. If the rash persists or becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.
What we will do
To the untrained eye, rooting out a bed bug infestation can prove difficult, and even if discovered, home remedies and over-the-counter deterrents are often ineffective. We will assess the problem and provide you with a free quote.