Bed Bugs

Adult bed bugs are oval shaped, flattened and about 6mm long. When unfed they are pale brown in colour but become reddish brown to mahogany when full of blood.

Young bugs (nymphs) are nearly colourless, becoming brownish as they mature.

Where do they live?

Bed bugs are usually found in unsuspected areas such as in floor cracks, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, wall pictures, loose skirting boards and door frames, and in the seams of bed mattresses etc.

What do they eat?

The bed bug feeds exclusively on blood, generally only in darkness. Although human blood is preferred, they can survive on other blood from rabbits, rodents etc.

Disease Transmission:
Bed bugs are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to humans, however the bite can cause considerable irritation and may result in loss of sleep and lowering of general health.

How can I get rid of bed bugs?

Wirral Borough Council provides a free service. Even after a thorough treatment, monitoring over a few weeks may be required to determine if the infestation has been eradicated.

Control:

Hygiene - The routine washing of bedding and clothing, followed by drying in a tumble dryer at normal temperature, will kill any bedbugs and eggs present.

Chemical - The standard treatment for infested premises is the application of a residual insecticide, usually in the form of a liquid spray.

The insecticide is applied to cracks and crevices where bed bugs could be hiding, including the seams of mattresses, bed frames, flooring, skirting boards etc.

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label!

For more information on bed bug pest control please download the leaflet on the right of this page.