Bed bugs “often live on furniture or bedding”, the NHS warns, and if your home has an infestation, they can be very difficult to get rid of.
And as the UK is at risk of a bed bug invasion, many of us are looking for ways to protect ourselves from the nasty critters.
The creepy crawlies first made headlines during Paris fashion week with fears they could soon make the trip across the Channel and into England.
Since then, cases have sprung up on London’s Tube, Wiltshire and Luton.
Sleep expert Max Kirsten, of PandaLondon, shared ways you can protect your mattress and yourself from the blood-sucking creatures.
“Routinely check your bedding, mattress seams, and the area around your bed for any signs of bed bugs,” said Max.
“These signs may include small reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, shed skin, or small dark faecal spots.
If given the all-clear, it could be a good time to invest in a mattress encasement that can prevent bed bugs from getting in.
“Make sure the encasements are labelled as ‘bed bug-proof’ or ‘bed bug-resistant’,” said Max.
It’s also a good idea to wash bedding regularly at least 54C and to dry them on the highest setting.
Max elaborated: “Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and any other bedding items in hot water and then dry them on the highest heat setting.
“This will kill any bed bugs or their eggs that may be present.”
Bed bugs can hitch a ride on your luggage when you travel, or be hiding in second-hand furniture.
They can hide in any gaps in bedroom walls, baseboards, and floorboards, which can quickly turn into an out-of-control infestation.
It’s for this reason that Max recommended:
- Be cautious when travelling
- Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs
- Avoid secondhand furniture
- Seal cracks and crevices.
General advice includes keeping the area beside the bed free from clutter so that bed bugs have fewer places to hide should they be there.
If you notice bed bugs in your home, it’s probably about time to seek professional assistance.
Max said: “It’s often best to contact a professional pest control service for thorough treatment and extermination.”
Bed bug infestations can be challenging to deal with, so it’s crucial to be proactive to take the necessary steps to prevent them from getting into your home and hiding in places.
“Regular inspection, good hygiene, and a clean living environment are key to avoiding bed bug problems,” said Max.
