HELP! How do I get rid of Bed Bugs?
We've all heard the phrase "Goodnight, don't let the bed bugs bite!". However, what happens when they actually do? Bed bugs are small, flat oval insects that grow to around 5mm in length and therefore not always easy to see. They have a brown body but will become red in colour when they have eaten - sadly, that's the blood of humans and animals. Bed Bugs most commonly feed at night when people are in bed and sleeping.
Bed bugs are prolific breeders. A room or house can very quickly become infested if bed bugs find their way into your home. Due to their small size they can fit into small cracks and crevices that might escape regular cleaning.
Signs of Bed Bugs
The first signs of bed bugs is likely to be a couple of bites here and then or small blood blotches on your bed. An antihistamine can help to reduce the itchiness and an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or lotion can help reduce swelling. The bites "should" go away within 2 weeks, as long as you are not bitten on more occasions.
Most bed bug bites are painless at first, but later turn into itchy welts. Unlike flea bites that are mainly around the ankles, bedbug bites are on any area of skin exposed while sleeping. Also, the bites do not have a red spot in the center like flea bites do.
Signs of infestation
Here are a few signs to look out for, if you think you may have been invaded by bed bugs.
- Used bed or furniture - if you have noticed itchy areas of your skin that you didn't have when you went to sleep, it could be a sign of bed bugs. This could be attributed to the used furniture in your home.
- Blood stains on your sheets - As bed bugs feed on blood, they are likely to leave a small pin sized hole toyour skin that will bleed during the night.
- Bed bug poop - Yes, you read that correctly. Bed bug excrement can appear on sheets, mattresses and even walls. It is dark in colour as the blood within it has dried.
- Bed bug eggs or shed skin - As bed bugs are such breeders they are likely to leave small clusters of eggs in the creases of mattresses or other furniture.
- Musty/Sweet Smell - Bed bugs give off a smell that is musty and sweet like berries. This is likely to be most noticeable when there is a large infestation.
How to get rid of Bed Bugs
Getting rid of bed bugs starts with cleaning, and lots of it. Clean all bedding, linens, curtains and clothing on a hot wash and, if possible, use a dryer and dry on a high heat. Use a stiff brush to scrub your mattress before vacuuming it along with the areas surrounding the bed. Empty the vacuum immediately and clean it thoroughly.
In some cases, it may be best to replace your mattress completely or contact Pest North East to discuss additional measures which can be taken to eradicate the infestation.
Call us now for same day appointments!
We are local to the area and can provide a same-day callout service. The fastest way to make an appointment is to call us.
Contact
Please contact our offices if you would like to book an appointment or wish to seek advice on what steps may be required to support you.
Location:
4 Admiral Way, Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland, SR3 3XW
Email:
Call:
Services
We know full well that the last thing our clients want to be doing is trying to eradicate pests from their home or business. It can often be a timely task and, if not done correctly, can reoccur within days of you thinking the pests have been removed. We work closely with our clients to fully understand their requirements, to thoroughly investigate the problem and to completely remove those pests from your property. Give us a call or drop us an email to discuss your requirements.
Ant Control
Ants can be a bit of a pain in the UK but are not likely to carry diseases. However, you don't know where they have been foraging outisde and therefore could be bringing bacteria into your home. Ants will search in cluster to find food and will follow chemical trails to find food, sometime ending up in your food cupboards.
Bed Bug Control
Bed bugs are naturally brown in colour and arround the size of a orange pip. They will change to a red colour once they have fed off the blood of a human or animal. They most commonly feed at night during sleep which can make bed time rather uncomfortable if they find their way into your home. Bed bugs can very quickly infest as they breed rapidly which can make them very difficult to irradicate.
Cockroach Control
Cockroaches are well-known for carrying diseases such as Salmonella, Dysentery and Gastro-enteritis. This means it can be very distressing to have them in your home or property. Cockroaches are tough insects with a strong body, they are able to breed rapidly making it essential to seek a professional pest control team, such as Pest North East, immediately.
Flea Control
Sadly, fleas can be a common problem in UK homes; particularly if you own a pet. However, you can find fleas in your home even if you do not have pets. The issue with fleas arises from their bites which can be itchy, sore and uncomftable. Fleas are difficult to completely remove without the specialist products and equipment provided by pest control experts such as Pest North East.
Fly Control
Did you know that there are upwards of 100,000 species of fly across the world. Flies are a pest as they can spread diseases amongst humans, pets and livestock. They can spread Salmonella and E. coli.
Wasp/Hornet Control
Hornets are less agressive than wasps but if provoked, they can sting and hornet stings are more painful than that of a wasp. For those allergic to wasp stings, the infestation of wasps can be very dangerous. Bee and wasp nests should be handled carefully by professionals.
Mice Control
Mice in your home or business need to be removed as they can quickly damage property, contaminate food and spread disease on their search for food sources.
Rat Control
Rats are very determined rodents. They will go to extreme lengths to get to food, including gnawing through metal. They can spread diseases through their urine and droppings which could include Weil's disease (Leptospirosis), Rat bite fever and Salmonellosis. If you believe rats are entering your property then call Pest North East as soon as you can.
Pigeon Control
Pigeons can be a nuisance in many locations but are likely to group together around food properties. They can make a mess on or around your property with bird droppings and could even damage property by dislodging roof tiles or blocking gutters. Additionally, the presence of birds increases the risk of other pests to infest.
Seagull Control
Seagulls can be a nuisance in many locations but are likely to group together around food properties. They can make a mess on or around your property with bird droppings and could even damage property by dislodging roof tiles or blocking gutters. Additionally, the presence of birds increases the risk of other pests to infest.
Mole Control
Moles can cause considerable damage to lawns, a particular problem for businesses who require a clean lawn such as golf clubs. Moles can tunnel up to 4 meters and hour and create complex underground systems. Establishing theses routes with entry and exit points can be messy and cause lawns to look untidy and in poor condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get asked a lot of questions. Pests are such a pain and many people turn to us for advice and guidance as it isn't something you usually have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. There are so many "quick fixes" online but for the very best support you should speak to a speciailist. We have compiled a few of our most common questions here but do contact us if your answer isn't here.
-
Do you offer a same day service?
Yes, being local to areas in the North East of England, we can offer a same day service with appointment times to suit you.
-
How would you carry out a treatment for mice?
On arrival at your property we would carry out a full survey to determine the species of pest, the spread of infestation, the level of infestation and how the mice have gained access to the property. We would than devise a treatment strategy using baits, traps or both to safely and effectively treat the infestation. We would then revisit another two times to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. On the final visit, we would remove all baits and traps and offer a proofing service to prevent re-infestation.
-
I've got fleas in my house due to having a dog. How would you treat my house?
The first thing to do is get the dog treated for fleas using a veterinary product. Then wash the dogs bedding on a wash above 60 degrees centigrade. Finally give the carpets/floors a thorough hoovering paying particular attention to around the skirting boards and between floorboards. We would then call and carry out a residual spray of the carpets and soft furnishings that would eradicate the remaining fleas.
-
How would you treat a wasp’s nest in my loft?
If we could see where the wasps are accessing the loft from the outside, we have a specialist lance that could reach it and treat from the ground. If it is not accessible using the lance we could use ladders or we could access via the loft.
-
Every year we get rats in our loft, we get them treated but they keep coming back. Is there anything you could suggest?
The first thing to do is look for any proofing issues that might allow rats into your house. Such as gaps around pipes, holes that have not been filled, broken airbricks, climbing plants etc. If you are attached to other houses, the rats could be travelling in from there. Also, the regularity of infestation could suggest a drainage fault, where rats can gain access to your house via a breach from within the drainage system. If we were to call, we would carry out a full property survey to determine the cause.
-
I woke up this morning with a few bites on my shoulder and suspect I may have bed bugs. What should I look for?
If it is bed bugs the first place to look is the bed. Take off the bedding and thoroughly inspect the mattress, bedhead and bed frame. You are looking for a lentil sized insect that is brown in colour. If it is an established infestation they should be relatively easy to find as there will be various stages of the life cycle evident (eggs, nymphs and adults). Other signs are smears or spots of blood. If we were to attend, we would carry out a full survey of the property and devise a treatment strategy to eradicate the infestation.
-
What's the difference between pest control vs pest management?
When it comes to infestations, prevention is just as important as the cure. Pest control refers to the methods of treating an existing infestation, such as with poison or the more natural methods favoured by Project Multi Pest such as the use of falconry and dogs. Pest management refers to a long-term strategy of deterring pests, by making the area uninhabitable to them, e.g. bird netting or spikes. Project Multi Pest offers a range of control and management services, specialising in natural and humane methods.
-
Is pest control safe for pets?
Most chemicals used to remove pests are safe for domestic animals, but there are some exceptions. It is important to discuss the course of treatment with your pest controllers and request an animal-friendly solution. If in doubt as to an off-the-shelf solution, read the instructions very carefully and do not be hasty. To be on the safe side, remove all pets from the area being treated and consider moving them from the house altogether in case they wander. Project Multi Pest avoid the use of harmful chemical substances, preferring a natural approach to pest control. We use dogs to flush out rodents, which is a far kinder and cleaner way to dispatch of them than poison or traps.
-
Is there a do-it-yourself solution?
Not really. Most of the insecticides and pesticides used in pest control are not available to the general public.
-
What if I continue to see the pest problem after the service?
It’s normal for insect activity to increase right after the treatment – that means it’s working! However, if the problem persists and you still see pests after about seven days, we can offer intensive treatment at unbeatable rates.