The capital of France suffers from an infestation of bedbugs that can be found in the mattresses of homes and hotels, in transport, in cinemas and theaters, and even on hospital stretchers. It was only a matter of time before bed bugs arrived in Spain: anti-pest companies and municipal services are already working on Madrid, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Balearic Islands, Andalusia and Aragon.
In statements to ABC, Óscar Soriano, entomologist, expert in arthropods and human health at the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), warns that The first signs of bed bug infestation have been discovered in prisons, but increasingly they are found in private homes.
Soriano explains that bed bugs proliferate due to the migration of people and climate change, since this insect needs a minimum of 16ºC to survive. They stick to clothes and suitcases and travel by plane to all corners of the world. Once in the houses, They are very difficult to remove without professional help. The arrival of cold weather will be the best natural solution to stop this infestation of bed bugs, which are classified as «stinky» because they give off an unpleasant sweet odor.
What are bed bugs like?
Bed bugs are small parasites that feed on blood. They live in the same places as people and animals, and They activate at night, which is when they sting their victims.
Several bites are often seen next to each other, because the insect cannot always immediately reach the blood.
The common bed bug It takes up to ten minutes to feed and can eat seven times its weight. Once full, you can go without eating for up to 40 weeks.
Bed bugs lay between 200 and 500 eggs during their lifetime. After about 14 days, the eggs hatch into larvae, which then go through five stages of development in six weeks until they become adult insects.
They have a flat, oval or slightly elongated body. They are brownish in color, hairy and have six legs and two antennae. Bed bugs can grow up to 5.5 mm in size. After ingesting blood, your body can expand up to 9 mm.
Bed bugs are afraid of light and that is why they like to look for cracks, corners and crevices. as a refuge. They are very agile and easily run up walls and beds.
Where do bed bugs prefer to live?
bed bugs They are mainly found in places where there is a high turnover of people. Hotels, hostels, inns, university residences and other community facilities are especially affected.
However, Health centers and means of transportation are also affected. Bed bugs often come home undetected and then spread there. There are a few places where bed bugs prefer to hang out:
- Bed bases and bed frame
- photo frames
- Books
- Computer
- Appliances
- Skirting boards
- Luggage
- Pillow
- Sheets and duvets
- Mattresses
- Clothes
- Suitcase
- Nightstand
- stuffed animals
- Smoke detectors
- Shelves
- Backpacks
- Shoes
- Armchairs
- Couch
- Plugs
- door frames
- Keyboards
- Carpet edges
- Watches
- Dirty clothes basket
How do you recognize a bed bug infestation?
It takes some experience to be able to recognize a bed bug infestation right away. The risk of confusion with other parasites is very high.
However, to act quickly, you need to make sure it is actually bed bugs. Only in this way can the fight against bed bugs and their eggs be successful, since pest control must be specifically aimed at this type of insects. Here’s how to recognize a bed bug infestation:
1. Traces of blood on the bedding
Bed bugs bite especially frequently at night. So that the victim does not wake up from the bite, an anesthetic is instilled at the site of the bite The effect of which disappears approximately half an hour after the bite, so you don’t even realize it. A drop of blood often comes from the bite and is then found on the bedding.
2. Traces of feces in typical places
If there is a bed bug infestation, traces of their feces can also be found in typical places. These are small brown dots that are usually very close together. Feces are excreted in liquid form and then dry out into small crumbs that look like coffee grounds.
If excreted on textiles, it is absorbed into the fabric and forms a dark stain larger or several small ones.
3. Sweet smell in the room
At first you can’t smell a bed bug infestation. However, if the insects have had enough time to multiply and spread, You will notice a sweet, unpleasant odor in the affected room.
This is typical of parasites and It is caused by chemicals that bed bugs produce to communicate with each other.
4. Remains of molt
The bed bug goes through five stages of development throughout its life, which are characterized, among other things, by molting. Where bed bugs live, you always find skins, which are transparent, oval and very light.
5. Bed bug eggs
Wherever bed bugs frolic, they naturally also leave eggs. They are very small and usually very difficult to see with the naked eye. A magnifying glass can be helpful if you want to start searching. Bed bug eggs are milky white and somewhat translucent.
6. Symptoms in people
There are also signs on your own body that indicate a bed bug infestation. These animals They feed on blood and obtain it by first biting their victim and then sucking it (that’s right, bed bugs don’t sting, they bite).
Bed bug bites are small, rounded, red, and often slightly swollen. Since bed bugs usually bite several times in a row, a so-called «bed bug street» is created: these are several bites that are in a row next to each other.
At first you don’t even notice the bites because the insects use an anesthetic to get food without you realizing it. However, After a while the effect of the anesthesia wears off and the itching begins.
Bed bugs: where they can hide in your house and how to eliminate them with natural remedies
Unfortunately, fighting bed bugs usually takes a long time. There are several methods you can use to eliminate bed bugs. They are very sensitive to heat and cold, so you can use this knowledge to get rid of them quickly.
For example, Wash affected textiles in the washing machine at over 50 degrees to ensure that the insects are killed. If your mattress is infested, you can also place it in the sun if it is warm enough outside. After a few hours at most, the insects will have fled or died.
Alternatively, You can freeze infected textiles or objects in the freezer at -18 degrees for a few days. This also inevitably leads to the death of the insects.
Bed bugs’ favorite hiding places are cracks, crevices and corners where they are not exposed to direct sunlight and where they can rest. Vacuum the affected areas well and then use a steam cleaner to combat the bugs.
You can also Use a steamer to steam wall baseboards, door frames, and beds.
Don’t forget to clean the furniture either. Here you can also vacuum, mop or use a special bed bug repellent.
If after a while you realize that your efforts are not helping, it is time to hire a professional exterminator, who you can ask not to use chemicals if it is not absolutely necessary.
How does an apartment become infested?
bed bugs They are often brought in vacation luggage. Most of the time, tourists don’t even realize that they have brought stowaways.
They leave their luggage at home and the insects spread from there unhindered. If you buy used furniture or collect antiques you should also be careful. These can also be infested with insects and should therefore be cleaned thoroughly before use.
How can you prevent an infestation?
To avoid facing an infestation, It is advisable to follow some rules of conduct.
On vacation, the right place to Store your suitcase in a high place in the room or in the bathroom. Avoid placing luggage on the floor or bed.
Back home, you must Unpack your suitcase in the hallway and take it in a closed bag directly to the washing machine.
Don’t forget to clean your suitcase or backpack when you return from your trip.
Regarding used furniture, Be sure to thoroughly clean furniture before leaving it in your home.