Big Bloody Bluster on Barely Bearable Bed Bugs Blogged!

It comes as a surprise to many people that bed bugs are currently a growing problem in the UK. Different experts put this down to different things, although it is probably a combination of a few of them; global warming, the rise in travel abroad and bans on certain pesticide chemicals are all said to be major factors.

If you are reading this then there is a good chance you are already aware of a bed bug problem in your home. If you aren't then you might want to keep an eye out for some of the warning signs.

The bugs themselves are a dark rusty brown in colour and oval shaped. They are as thin as a sheet of paper and therefore can crawl through microscopically small spaces. The generally weigh in at 5mm long and get bigger after feeding. As their name suggests they are often found hiding in mattresses, mainly due to the proximity to a human host although this is by no means their only habitat. Look for small rusty spots around seams and joints in bed frames - this is (you will be happy to know) their faeces. Also keep an eye out for blood spots from squashed bugs.

If it turns out that you do have an infestation then the first step is DO NOT PANIC! Bed bugs are an annoying pest but usually no more than this and they are not generally known to carry diseases. Don't go burning all your belongings!
The second step is seek professional guidance. There are many pest control companies about so try to find one that specialises in bed bugs. Bed bugs are difficult to eradicate so if you are paying someone to do it for you then you need to ensure that they do a good job by choosing specialists.

If you have a bed bug problem and you want to try and solve it yourself then I would recommend taking a look at Hygiene Supplies Direct, as they have a wide range of products designed to deal with bed bugs and they are cheaper than most. Try one of the sprays and apply it to your mattresses and furnishings. You will need to strip beds in affected rooms and wash all bedding and clothes at a temperature above 60 degrees where possible. You can also try putting contaminated items into the freezer for 24 hours, this will kill any hidden bugs. Remove all rubbish that could contain them then clean all nooks and crannies with one of the bed bug treatment products. You should also hoover the room twice a day and take the bag from the hoover straight outside. Perhaps most importantly, be sure not to spread them by moving contaminated objects from one room to another.

I hope that you (my loyal readers) never need to use this advice, but if you do then follow the steps in this article and you should be fine!

(Disclaimer: Use my advice at your own risk.)