The Bed Bug

"Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite"

Bed bugs are one of the most hated human parasites, however, most people of this generation have never seen one. Improvements in hygiene and the use of DDT after the Second World War had virtually eradicated them ... until recently.

Their recurrence is largely blamed on international travel and they are increasingly being found in homes, hotels, dormitories, universities and public modes of transport (e.g. trains and buses).

Eliminating bed bugs is difficult. The key is to locate and treat all cracks and crevices including:

• folds and seams in mattresses
• bed frames and box springs
• behind skirting boards, floorboards, window, door mouldings, pictures, electrical switch plates and loose wallpaper
• in the pleats of curtains and the upholstery of furniture.

Full treatment of the furniture and room by a professional pest control company is advised to ensure a full and safe eradication. The premises should be thoroughly vacuumed prior to treatment and the dust bag thrown away immediately. All bed linen should be stripped and laundered in the hottest temperature possible. Pest control companies usually recommend that infested beds are wrapped in plastic and disposed of.

Bed Bug Facts

• Bed bugs are attracted by exhaled carbon-dioxide and body heat - not dirt.
• Bed bugs are most active in the hour before dawn.
• More infestations are being treated at hotels and on public transport.

Pest Control

Elmbridge Borough Council provides a pest control service for the treatment of bed bugs.

If you would like to take advantage of this service please visit our |pest control service webpage where you can contact us to arrange an appointment.

Further advice

• |Pest control service
• |Bed bug actions prior to treatment - to ensure best results from the treatment
• |Bed bug advice leaflet