Bed bugs are small parasites that feed on the blood of sleeping people (or animals). When an adult bed bug is unfed and swollen, it is about the size of a pea, but after a blood meal, it has to be stretched out to be as long as a quarter. They are reddish brown in colour and about 4 millimetres long. Although bed bug bites do not hurt and leave no signs of swelling or redness, they are very itchy.

If you are looking to get more information about these pests and what you can do to get rid of an infestation, this article is for you!

Australia’s Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know about These Bugs

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to kill. They are extremely resilient, and their eggs can stay viable for up to six months without food. This means you need to do a thorough cleaning and laundry process to get rid of bed bugs.

Tips to Prevent Bed Bug Infestation

1 - When Travelling, Check Your Hotel

If you are looking to get rid of a bed bug infestation, it is vital that you know how and what to look for. When you stay at a hotel or other lodging, always check for any signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Look for small brown or red stains on the bed linens or wall, as well as rusty-coloured marks on the mattress.

2 - Check Any New Furniture Before Bringing It in

If you’re moving to a new house, make sure you check any used furniture you purchase for signs of bed bugs. Again, look for small brown or red stains, as well as rusty-coloured marks on the mattress. If you see these signs, it’s best to go back to the seller and ask them to remove the bed (or whatever furniture is infested) and treat it.

3 - Remove the Clutter

The best way to keep bed bugs at bay is to make sure that there are no hiding places for them in your house or apartment. Remove or throw out any clutter, as well as large pieces of furniture. This will reduce the risk of an infestation, as well as make it easier to manage an infestation if it occurs.

4 - Vacuum Regularly

You should vacuum your home regularly to remove any stray bed bugs you may have missed. Bed bugs do not have a mouth or digestive tract, so they can only suck blood. This means that they have to travel back to their hiding place in order to digest the blood meal. During this time, they are exposed to the vacuum, so make sure you vacuum frequently to kill any bed bugs that may have escaped from the bed.

Call a Pest Control Professional If Needed

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and within a few weeks, your infestation will be much larger if not treated. Make sure you call a professional pest control company first thing rather than trying to manage on your own.

If you are looking to get bed bug control in Sydney, come to Roach Busters. With more than 25 years of experience within the pest control trade, Roach Busters Pest Control Services offer a range of professional services to eradicate all kinds of pests. Based in Seven Hills, our expert team covers the entire Sydney area, treating everything from termites to bedbugs, cockroaches to spiders, fleas and more.