Bedbugs are small, measuring about 5 millimeters in diameter, similar to the size of a pencil eraser. They are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly and can survive for long periods without a food source. These bugs can be difficult to spot as they often hide in hard-to-reach areas. A single female can lay up to 500 eggs, making it easy for them to cause significant infestations in homes.
Bedbugs can leave red, itchy bites on the skin if they feed on a person’s blood while they sleep. Controlling an infestation can be difficult as these bugs are small and skilled at hiding in tight spaces. Additionally, they are hard to locate, making it challenging to eliminate them.
Effective insecticides for bed bugs are becoming increasingly scarce due to the bugs’ rising resistance. While natural methods to eliminate them may be successful, depending on the extent of the infestation, these methods may not be as effective if the infestation has already become widespread. Additionally, insecticides commonly available in stores are often ineffective in eliminating bed bugs.
When people are unable to eradicate a bed bug infestation on their own, they often turn to professional pest control services for help. Before discussing methods for controlling bed bugs, it is important to understand how to detect their presence.
How to Identify Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed bugs can enter your home by hitchhiking in personal items such as handbags, backpacks, or suitcases. They can be found in any area of a home, but are most commonly found near beds as they feed on human blood. Due to their small and flat shape, they can easily hide in tight spaces, including areas where a credit card can fit.
As an infestation grows, bed bugs may spread throughout the house. To detect them, follow these steps:
- Carefully inspect cracks and crevices on or around the bed while searching for bed bugs in a room.
- Use a powerful flashlight, a flat tool like a credit card or paint scraper, and possibly a magnifying lens to aid in the inspection.
- Take apart the headboard or bed frame to thoroughly examine for bed bugs.
Signs of a bed bug infestation include red rashes and difficulty sleeping. If you suspect an infestation, it’s important to act quickly before it spreads. Contact Pest Control Pakenham for an assessment of the situation.
How Does Pest Control Geelong Treat Bed Bugs?
Over-the-counter insecticides may not be powerful enough or able to reach the bugs’ hiding places. In this case, it’s crucial to hire a licensed pest control service in Geelong to effectively address the infestation.
Capturing a specimen or taking a photo to show a specialist can help them identify the type of pest causing the problem. Pest control services in Pakenham may try non-chemical methods first before using pesticides as a last resort.
Following are a few things used by them to kill bed bugs:
1. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most commonly used pesticides for bed bug treatment. Pyrethrins are derived from chrysanthemum flowers, while pyrethroids are synthetic versions of pyrethrins. Both types of pesticides target the bed bugs’ nervous system.
Certain populations of bed bugs have become resistant to these chemicals, especially older pesticides.
2. Silicates
Other options include using diatomaceous earth dust (DED), which physically damages the bed bugs’ protective outer layer, causing them to dehydrate and die. As it’s a physical method, bed bugs cannot develop resistance to it.
3. IGRs (insect growth regulators)
Examples of such pesticides include hydropene and (S)-methoprene. However, these types of pesticides require the insects to bite and draw blood before they take effect. As a result, they may be less effective in controlling infestations.
4. Carbamates
Bendiocarb and propoxur are examples of alternative pesticides that are more effective than pyrethrins and pyrethroids. However, resistance to these chemicals is starting to appear among certain bed bug populations.
5. Neonicotinoids
Imidacloprid is an example of a newer pesticide that is effective and does not cause resistance. However, it doesn’t have a long-term effect.
6. Pyrroles
These pesticides have a slower reaction time and lower efficacy, but do not lead to resistance issues among the bed bugs.
Conclusion
Bed bugs can be a major annoyance, disrupting your sleep and affecting your daily routine. If you suspect an infestation, it’s important to contact professional pest control services in Pakenham for an assessment. They can not only determine if your home is affected, but also inspect the surrounding area and inform other families if necessary.
Expert pest control services in Geelong use safe and effective products to eliminate bed bugs without harming your family or pets. They ensure that the treatment is effective and provide guidance on preventing future infestations.
About Author
Comment here