Bed bugs continue to be a biting problem in the Okanagan, with large buildings and hotels particularly difficult to treat. Infestations are on the rise, especially around the holiday season, when many people are travelling back and forth between destinations. Bed bugs love to travel and are readily transported via luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture. Getting rid of bed bugs can be a challenge, but there are various methods to use, with some more effective than others.

IDENTIFICATION AND PREVENTION

Bed Bugs are flat, reddish-brown, oval insects up to 4-5mm long, which is about the size of an apple seed. They appear swollen and reddish after a meal of blood. Bed bug bites leave itchy red marks but they do not spread disease. They prefer to be active at night when the unlucky host is asleep, and are found in cracks and crevices, including mattress seams, sheets, furniture, behind baseboards, electrical outlet plates, and picture frames. Bed bugs just love to travel and explore new destinations, and as such are often found in hotels, carried in and out in people's luggage.

The best strategy against bed bugs is prevention. Bed bugs are very mobile, so when you are travelling in countries where bed bugs are prevalent, it is a good idea to examine the bed and headboard area for signs of the bugs, and to lift your luggage off the floor. After coming home from a trip some infestations can be prevented by immediately washing any clothing or bedding used on the trip. If you buy used furniture, particularly couches, bed frames and mattresses, inspect them carefully before bringing them into your home. Mattresses, in particular, carry the greatest risk of harbouring bed bugs and their eggs. ActiveGuard Mattress Liners, impregnated with Permethrin, are useful in preventing bed bug infestation on beds.

So that's how to identify the little buggers and ways to prevent them from taking up residence in the first place. Here's what you need to do to get rid of bed bugs.

CONTROL METHODS

Bed bugs can be very difficult to control, even for trained professionals. Pesticides alone are not the answer to bed bugs. Most of the commonly used pesticides today, including professional products and consumer products advertised for control of bed bugs, are only partially effective at controlling these pests. These critters are constantly evolving, rendering the pesticides ineffective as they come out. Aerosol insecticides mainly attempt to kill bed bugs that are exposed, and out of their hiding places, not those hidden behind baseboards, in cracks and crevices of the bed, under carpet edging and in walls. In addition, pesticides, aerosols and other spot treatments are often counter-productive, as they can motivate bed bugs to spread and expand the infestation, making it much more difficult to treat. When a new infestation is suspected, it is important that surrounding rooms are also inspected for signs of bed bugs. If you decide to use a pesticide, always do so with caution. Never use a pesticide for bed bugs that does not bear clear directions stating that it can be used indoors, and never spray yourself, children or pets with a pesticide.

TREAT WITH HEAT

Using high temperature heat treatment is the best and only truly complete method for exterminating bed bugs. Raising the temperature to the thermal 'kill zone' of 46-50 degrees Celsius will kill bed bugs and their eggs within minutes of exposure. Bed bugs have evolved to withstand even direct exposure to pesticides. Heat can go where pesticides cannot, and will ensure that bed bugs hiding in cracks, crevices, luggage, mattresses and box springs, and all other areas are exposed to lethal temperatures. Temperatures are highly regulated, killing all stages of the bed bug, while protecting your home and belongings from exposure to unnecessarily high temperatures. The process takes only a few hours and your home will be left bed bug free after only one service.

If you have bed bugs, look no further than BugMaster's Inferno System, which is THE solution to eliminating bed bug infestations. This non-chemical, eco-friendly approach penetrates hard to reach locations and kills bed bugs of all growth stages including the eggs, which is vital in preventing a subsequent infestation. We are public enemy number 1 for bed bugs, and for all other bugs. So whether it creeps or crawls, rest assured it won't be after we've paid you a house call.

Contact BugMaster Pest Control today to learn more about making, and keeping, your Okanagan home bug-free.