Bed Bug FAQ’s

Adult bed bugs are reddish brown with oval flattened bodies, about 5mm long by about 3mm broad. Females lay their eggs in secluded areas, depositing up to five a day and 500 during a lifetime. The eggs are tiny, whitish, and hard to see without magnification (individual eggs are about the size of a dust spec).

Bed bugs are a global problem and are often transported in and on luggage. Once inside a hotel or home, bed bugs can spread rapidly from room to room through pipes, in vacuum cleaners, on clothing and luggage. Bed bugs are on the increase in the UK mainly due to the purchase of second-hand furniture.  If you are considering buying second-hand furniture, check it thoroughly before bringing it home, paying special attention for 'spotting' on the back of an item or in or near joints of drawers.  These spots are the droppings from the bed bug.

Bed bugs are most frequently found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels and other types of lodgings as they need to be where a host is going to be, for an extended period. They do not have nests like other insects but do tend to congregate in habitual hiding places such as the frameworks of beds, in wall cracks or around doorframes; they can be in chair cushions, sofas, desks, behind electrical outlets, or even behind picture frames and mirrors. In other words, they can live pretty much anywhere.
Bed bugs are more active at night, and infestations occur mainly in the bedroom and sitting room. 

Bed bugs are not thought to transmit any serious illness to humans.  However, the bite can in rare cases cause an allergic reaction and medical attention should then be sought. Also it may result in loss of sleep and lowering of general health.

A small hard swollen white welt may develop at the site of each bite which can occur in rows or batches of three or four. They will cause an irritation that can last for several hours to days and may, in some people, cause the skin to turn red due to an allergic reaction.

Early detection is crucial, and in commercial premises all housekeeping staff should be trained in how to identify the signs. When returning from a trip, check your luggage and clothing. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional as it is not a pest that can be controlled easily with do-it-yourself measures. 

A bed bug infestation can be recognised by blood stains from crushed bugs or by rusty (sometimes dark) spots of excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls. Faecal spots, eggshells, and shed skins may be found in the vicinity of their hiding places. An offensive, sweet, musty odour from their scent glands may be detected when bed bug infestations are severe.  To be 100% certain that bed bugs are present it is best to have a reputable pest professional perform an inspection.

Do not disturb the area and avoid moving bedding and furnishings as this may cause the bed bugs to migrate. Do not apply any chemicals as an incorrect application can spread the bed bugs. If treated incorrectly bed bugs can spread, go dormant, or even become resistant to the pesticide being applied. Bed bugs are by far one of the most difficult indoor pests to rid. Professional pest control companies normally have technicians that are skilled in the treatment of bed bugs. Consult a reputable company and do not be afraid to ask about their experience in treating bed bugs.

All infected bedding and furnishings should be separated into bags and sealed until they can be laundered in a hot wash at a minimum of 60 degrees centigrade, or tumble dried for a minimum of 30 minutes on a hot setting. Care should be taken not to aid dispersal of the infestation via laundry baskets or trolleys. Use a new bag for carrying treated laundry and dispose of the old ones.

The Isle of Wight Council enforces the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 and does not provide a pest control service. For professional treatment you should approach an independent pest control company. The landowner may have to pay for the treatment.