Bed bugs
bed; bug; bugs; insect; bite; itch; itching;
Contents
In Australia, bed bugs have not been so much of a problem in the last few decades since the use of insecticides, but there are reports that they are coming back perhaps due to changes in use of insecticides or being brought in by international travellers.
- Bedbugs are oval, wingless insects, 5-6 mm long, that feed at night on any warm-blooded animal (such as a person).
- A female bedbug can lay 200 to 500 eggs, and the eggs hatch in 7 to 30 days.
- Bed bugs can survive up to 12 months without feeding, and can be transported from place to place in back packs, luggage, sleeping bags, bedding and furniture.
- They are very sensitive to temperature, and will not survive in enviroments below 9ºC or above 36ºC.
Problems
caused by bed bugs
- Bedbugs do not usually spread illnesses, but are annoying because of the severe itching caused by their bites - the red lumps can last for many weeks.
- The intense itching is often the first sign of having bed bugs.
- Bites of bedbugs may need treatment for the itching (eg. local anaesthetic creams).
Prevention
and control of bed bugs
- Bed bugs spend most of their lives in hiding. They live and lay their eggs in bedding, mattresses, cracks in furniture, carpets, between floorboards or any places where people or animals sleep.
- They can be treated with a surface insecticide, but if they are very bad you may need to get help from a pest control operator.
- Cleanliness is most important to control and prevent bed bugs. Remove all dirt, vacuum the area, wash bedding in hot water, and wash furniture. Mattresses and bedding that cannot be washed should be vacuumed, then sealed in black plastic and left in the hot sun for several hours.
- Second hand bedding and furniture should be thoroughly inspected to make sure it is clean and free from bed bugs before you buy it.
- Bed bugs can live for up to 12 months without feeding, so they can be moved from place to place (eg. in sleeping bags, bedding and furniture). You could go on a camping holiday, for example, and bring back bed bugs in your sleeping bag.
- Further information about getting rid of bed bugs can be obtained from Local Councils.
More information
Department of Health (South Australia) 'Bed bugs - prevention and treatment'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/PDF-files/ph-factsheet-bedbugs.pdf
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
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