Information
Technical information about bedbugs:
Latin Name: Cimex lectularius L.Bedbugs are flat, reddish-brown, oval insects about 3/16th of an inch long, that are about the size of an apple seed.
They live in cracks and crevices including mattress seams, sheets, furniture, baseboards, electrical outlets, and picture frames. They are often found in hotels, where they can move around in people's luggage.
Their diet consists of human blood.
Females can deposit one to five eggs a day, and may lay up to 200 in her lifetime. Under ideal conditions, they can live for 300 days. They are also known as mohogany flats, red coats and cinches. The adult bedbug does not have any wings.
Bedbugs tend to stay together, and have a sweet yet unpleasant smell. Blood spotting can be a sign of their infestations, even if the actual bugs cannot be seen. Their bite can cause an allergic reaction, such as welts and severe itching.
Where they come from:
It is possible to pick up bedbugs almost anywhere. They infest offices, stores, hotels, gyms and countless other places. They can hide in your belongings or on you directly. Once indoors, they can be extremely hard to eliminate without the help of a pest control professional. Remember, an infestation has nothing to do with cleanliness. They can hitchhike into the cleanest home at any time.
How to protect yourself:
When travelling think of the acroynm SLEEP
Survey surfaces for signs of an infestation, such as rust coloured spots on mattresses.
Lift and look for hiding spots. They come out at night to feed, but will be hidden during the day.
Elevate your luggage away from the bed and walls to make it harder for bugs to travel there.
Examine your luggage carefully while repacking. Always store your luggage far away from your bedroom and store it in a closet. Never put luggage on your bed after a trip.
Place all of the clothing from your luggage in a dryer on hot for at least 15 minutes, or wash in very hot water.
Remember to inspect your residence regularly, after a move, a trip, or having guests in your home.
