Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs are parasitic insects that feed on blood.
They usually go undetected while feeding due to the anaesthetic saliva they inject when they pierce the skin.
Bed Bugs can be quite harmful to your health for numerous reasons, The bite itself can become very itchy & cause skin rashes, but they can also transmit diseases.
Bed Bug population has exploded in the 20th century due to the increase in global travel, indoor heating making conditions ideal year round, and the reduction in harmful pesticides used to irraticate them.
The best way to get rid of a Bed Bug infestation is to call a professional, however there are a few things you can do at home as well:
[icon_list_item icon_pack=”font_elegant” fe_icon=”icon_check_alt2″ icon_type=”transparent” title=”Regularly check your bedding carefully”][icon_list_item icon_pack=”font_elegant” fe_icon=”icon_check_alt2″ icon_type=”transparent” title=”Wash all your bedding in very hot water (min 60 degrees celcius) for 90 mins”][icon_list_item icon_pack=”font_elegant” fe_icon=”icon_check_alt2″ icon_type=”transparent” title=”Put all bedding in the dryer on high for at least 30 mins”][icon_list_item icon_pack=”font_elegant” fe_icon=”icon_check_alt2″ icon_type=”transparent” title=”Thoroughly vacuum the bedding and house, ensuring to empty the vacuum outside immediately”]
[blockquote text=”Bed bug populations have exploded all over the world, particularly in Australia where some estimate there has been a 5,000 per cent increase since 2000″ show_quote_icon=”yes”]
AUSTRALIAN BED BUG SPECIES
Bed Bug
(Cimicidae)
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Bed Bugs are a light to reddish brown colour and oval shaped.
Adults grow to 4–6 mm long & 1.5–3 mm wide.
They have segmented abdomens and micro hairs giving them a banded appearance.
Bed Bugs like to live close to hosts, so they can usually be found hidden in mattresses, bedside furniture, inside couches, in peeling wallpaper, carpet, cupboards, dressers, draws and clothing.
They usually live in clusters as it is easier for mating.
They can adapt to almost any conditions except extreme cold (−32 °C) or extreme heat (45 °C) which will kill them.
Bed Bugs are mostly nocturnal, so they come out to feed at night time.
They are drawn to carbon dioxide & heat of their hosts.
They are extremely hard to get rid of once discovered, so prevention is key.
Bed Bugs have 5 immature life cycles and 1 at full maturity.
They shed their skins (molt) at each stage, and require a full feed to do so, they can go through all stages in as little as 2 months with favourable conditions.
Fertile females lay eggs daily, sometimes up to 500 in their lifespan.
