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December 2023

Bedbug detection under mattress

Bed Bug FAQ: Answering your burning bed bug questions.

Bed bugs are tiny pests that can cause big problems. These sneaky creatures love to hide in cracks, crevices, and bedding, making it hard to spot them. As a pest control company working with both businesses and residents in the UK, we come across bed bugs frequently. This blog is to share the answers to some of key questions people are asking about bed bugs. We’ll explore the appearance of bedbug bites, the characteristics of these bugs, and delve into the life cycle of bedbugs, including their eggs to help you understand if you are dealing with bed bugs or another type of pest.

What do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites can vary from person to person, but they generally share some common characteristics. These bites often appear as small, red lumps with a darker middle. The bites may be grouped in a line or a cluster on your neck, shoulders, back, legs or arms. Itching is a common symptom, and some individuals may experience an allergic reaction that leads to more severe reactions.
close up pictures of bed bug bites

What Does a Bed Bug Look Like?

Early detection of a bed bug infestation is crucial for effective pest control. Adult bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects with a reddish-brown colour. They are about the size of an apple seed, 4-6mm in length. They are flat, allowing them to hide in cracks and crevices easily. Bed bugs have six legs, antennae, and a specially adapted mouthpiece that they use to pierce the skin and feed on blood. The nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller and lighter in colour but share the same general body shape.
Bedbug

How Long Do Bed Bug Eggs Take to Hatch?

The life cycle of a bed bug includes several stages, with egg hatching being a critical part. Bed bug eggs typically take about 6 to 10 days to hatch, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Warm and humid conditions are favourable for faster development, while cooler environments may extend the hatching time
.life cycle of a bed bug

What Do Bed Bug Eggs Look Like?

Bed bug eggs are tiny, measuring about 1mm in length, and are often translucent or pearly white. They are usually found in clusters and are attached to surfaces like furniture or fittings with a sticky substance. The eggs are resistant to many common insecticides, making thorough inspection and treatment essential for effective control.
Bed bugs, bed bug eggs, bed bug feces

How Long Can a Bed Bug Live Without Feeding?

Bed bugs are resilient when it comes to survival without a blood meal. In ideal conditions, adult bed bugs can live for several months without feeding. However, they are opportunistic feeders, and when a suitable host is present, they will actively seek a blood meal. Nymphs, on the other hand, may only survive a few weeks without feeding.

Do bedbugs transmit diseases through their bites?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that bed bugs transmit diseases through their bites. However, their bites can lead to itching, discomfort, and in some cases, allergic reactions.

How can I prevent a bedbug infestation?

Regularly inspect your living and sleeping areas for signs of bedbugs, such as small reddish-brown insects, tiny eggs, or dark fecal spots. Keep your living space clutter-free and consider using protective mattress covers. If you are running a business that is affected by bed bugs on a regular basis such as hotels, you should consider pro-active bed bug monitoring such as Spotta.

Proactive Bed Bug Monitoring for Hotels

spotta bed bug detector

Spotta™ Remote Bed Bug Monitoring

Spotta™ is an innovative technology which uses remote monitored Bed Pods which attract insects and identifies bedbugs at an early stage. The
Bed Pods automatically notify your local pest control technician.
Spotta™ is a highly effective solution that requires zero commitment from
hotel staff and zero visibilty to guests. The Bed Pod has no wires, no sound
and no smells. It is also placed hidden from view to protect your reputation.
This 24/7 automatic detection solution is an innovative approach to bed
bug monitoring.

Dog screen for bedbugs

Dog Screens

Dog screens use highly trained dogs to detect bed bugs throughout your hotel. They are a quick and efficient way of screening rooms. The dogs will provide an accurate assessment of which rooms have an active infestation and are in need of treatment at the time of the screening. They can be used as an early detection service if used on a regular basis. It only takes a trained dog 1-2 minutes to search an entire hotel room. They are a great opportunity to provide due diligence and protect your business from false claims.

TruDetX Bed Bug Rapid Test

The TruDetx Bed Bug Rapid Test is a fast-acting, reliable test kit designed to accurately detect bed bug infestations, whether at high or low levels. According to scientific tests, Trudetx rapid bed bug tests were performed with 90% precision. This was achieved with extremely low bed bug activity and in hard-to-reach areas. They can now detect even low-level bed bug infestations quickly with a science-based test. This means that our customers can feel confident in moving forward with treatment to solve the problem quickly.

If you are concerned you may have bed bugs contact one of our team today on 020 8355 3443 and we can help you assess your pest problems.

Revolutionising Drain Services: A Journey of Innovation and Excellence by Beaver Pest Control

In a remarkable turn of events, Beaver Pest Control emerged victorious at the inaugural NADC National Drain Awards evening. Shortlisted for Innovation and Specialist Service, the company’s Director, David Lodge, shares the journey and success that led to this prestigious recognition.

A Comprehensive Approach to Drain Services

Beaver Pest Control, traditionally known for pest control, has recently expanded its services to become a one-stop solution for all drain-related concerns. We estimate that 80-90% of call-outs involve rats originating from drains. Stepping across into the drainage industry was a natural path.

We use high-power jet washing to clean drains, followed by a thorough CCTV check. The result is a detailed viewline report, transparently outlining ingress points and defects in the drainage system.

Our commitment to solving drain issues extends beyond eradicating rats. Through methods like capping, local repair works, patching, or lining, we aim to eliminate not only pests but also associated problems such as drain fly issues and unpleasant odours. While one-way valves are sparingly used, we offer maintenance contracts for their use.

Leading the Industry with Innovation

In addition to its recent award, Beaver Pest Control has actively contributed to industry standards. We collaborated with the BPCA, Davy Brown, and the NADC to create the BPCA Code of Best Practice for Drain Surveys. This comprehensive reference document showcases Beaver’s dedication to excellence in the industry.

The journey to offering this complete drain service was not without challenges. The company invested significantly in training and state-of-the-art equipment. Without doubt, the initial expense has helped our Drain Team to propel the division’s growth.

Shaping the Future of Drain and Pest Industries

Looking ahead, Beaver Pest Control has set ambitious goals. The company aims to secure the coveted NADC Drain Safe accreditation while fostering a closer relationship between the drain and pest control industries. Following this success, we envision further collaboration to enhance both sectors.

Influence on the Drain and Pest Industry

Reflecting on their impact, we have identified key contributions to the industry:

  1. Comprehensive Solutions: The company has pioneered an umbrella solution to a prevalent customer frustration—rat infestations.
  2. Resourceful Specialisation: Beaver demonstrates that specialisation and innovation don’t always require extensive resources. Through education, dedication, hard work, and a strong vision, the company has proven that smaller entities can lead in their fields.
  3. Industry Leadership: Beaver’s specialisation has extended beyond its company and customers, influencing the wider sector. Contributions include the development of codes of best practice for CCTV drain surveys, solidifying their commitment to industry excellence.

In conclusion, Beaver Pest Control’s journey from a newcomer to an award-winning force in the drain and pest control industry showcases the power of innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. As the company looks to the future, its influence on industry practices is set to endure and evolve.

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