BED BUG RESURGENCE IN MELBOURNE
Bed bug Control Melbourne
Anecdotal evidence from pest managers in Melbourne would indicate that we’re experiencing a considerable resurgence in the number of bed bug infestations. We usually associate bed bug infestations with low cost, short-stay accommodation facilities. These include the traditional backpacker establishments sprinkled throughout Melbourne CBD and St Kilda.Now though, pest managers are being called out for bed bug control to new Melbourne high-rise apartment complexes, cinema complexes, trains, buses, and even aeroplanes! Tim Clinnick from Pest Control Empire explains why: “Bed bugs were on the decline and virtually wiped out. However, as the industry has moved toward more environmentally friendly products which focus on lower toxicity, the bed bug has built up a resistance and begun to thrive again”.
Tim continues, “Bed bug problem was previously a sign of poor sanitation and individual hygiene. While this is still a factor, it’s no longer the only factor. I’ve been called out to five-star hotels and quality homes in Melbourne where the sanitation and hygiene standards are exemplary. The one common factor usually though is recent overseas travel or house guests that have traveled from abroad.”
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Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that can be found all over the world. They’re nocturnal and require a blood meal to develop and breed. Our blood is their primary source of food and they target us while we’re at rest. bedbugs are commonly found in beds, mattresses, and anywhere else where we may rest for extended periods. They may even live on our couch as we often spend time in a relaxed state for extended periods in front of the television.
Bed bug Extermination Melbourne
Bed bugs are attracted by our body heat and carbon dioxide which is then expelled oxygen we breathe. Bites are painless and may take up to 14 days to become visible. This can make it difficult to determine the source of the infestation. Travelers rarely stay more than a few days in the same location so by the time bites develop they may have stayed at two or three different locations at this time. It is highly likely that bed bugs will have been transported to each different location, meaning that the cycle will continue.
A bed bug bite is often mistaken for a mosquito and as a result, an infestation can be neglected and allowed to flourish. Bites differ from that of a mosquito as they will be in a pattern as opposed to the randomness of a mosquito. Bed bugs feed on us while we’re at rest and take between five and ten minutes to become fully engorged. During this time we often move around and this may dislodge the bed bug. This will force it to re-attach itself again. Therefore numerous bites may not indicate a large infestation as it may just be the bed bug reattaching itself after dislodgment.
Tim advises that if a bedbug issue is suspected efforts should be made to confine it to one room. The suspect room should be thoroughly inspected and pay particular attention to bedding, bed frames, mattresses, bedside tables, and carpet linings. Bed bugs are small (between 4-7mm), flat and oval-shaped. They will be difficult to locate unless numbers are high. Look out for blood spotting on bed sheets and search for exoskeletons/shed skins. The bedbug must shed or molt its exoskeleton (hard outer layer) in order to develop into an adult. It will molt on five occasions to reach maturity.
Bed bugs Removal Melbourne
Tim strongly recommends contacting a pest manager in the event of a suspected bedbug infestation. This is because a bed bug infestation is almost impossible to control without the use of a registered pesticide. All items in the room should be placed into plastic bags and this includes clothing and bedding. All items should be washed in a washing machine in hot water. A temperature of 60 degrees Celsius will kill bedbugs and any eggs. Our domestic hot water systems should reach this temperature. To be safe each item should also be placed into a dryer and tumble-dried on hot for at least 30 minutes (read the label on clothing to determine its suitability to be washed and tumble dried).
The room should be thoroughly vacuumed and particular attention should be paid to the carpet edges. Vacuuming is an excellent way to pick up any bedbug eggs. Use a vacuum with a bag. The contents of the bag should be sprayed with an aerosol and discarded in a bin. The vacuum itself should also be sprayed with an aerosol. A pest manager should then conduct a thorough inspection of the suspect room to search for signs of bedbugs.
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