Bed bugs

What are bed bugs?

Where do bed bugs come from?

For a long time, bed bugs were not a topic in Germany. The creatures were practically considered eradicated. However, in recent years, a nearly explosive spread has been observed, especially in large cities like Berlin and Hamburg. In Germany alone, these insects have multiplied many times over. The sudden spread of the bed bug is not only an issue in Germany and Europe, but it is a problem that can be observed worldwide. Experts from the German Pest Control Association believe that the spread of bed bugs in Germany is due to the introduction of bed bugs in the clothing and luggage of holiday and business travelers. People are traveling all over the world today. This creates many opportunities to come into contact with bugs and other parasites. In fact, bed bugs are often found worldwide in hotels, just as they are found wherever the little bloodsuckers can get close to their main food source - that of humans. Typical hiding places for bed bugs are, for example,

But not only after a trip or after overnight stays in hotels does one run the risk of bringing these insects home as a souvenir. Often, just buying a used piece of furniture or purchasing second-hand clothing and a single bed bug can trigger an infestation and lead to being plagued by bed bug bites. In Germany, Europe, and worldwide, not only hotels are affected, but also private apartments, cinemas, public transport, and all other places where people spend time. And once bed bugs are in the house, it is very difficult to get rid of them. Fighting bed bugs can take weeks, if not months.

How can you recognize bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects of brown to brown-reddish color. The body of bed bugs has an oval shape and is between 1 and 7 millimeters long. Bed bugs have six legs. Bed bugs are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, primarily humans. Bed bugs are flat before feeding. After bed bugs have sucked blood, the insect's body swells by a few millimeters. Bed bugs are like fleas, parasites that temporarily feed on the blood of their hosts. One distinguishes so-called temporary ecto-parasites, like bed bugs and fleas, from stationary ecto-parasites, like lice. Temporary parasites only visit their host temporarily for feeding, while stationary parasites remain loyal to their host. Even though bed bugs are small creatures that are only a few millimeters in size, they can be seen with the naked eye. However, since these creatures are nocturnal insects that live and hide in tiny crevices during the day, it is usually not easy to spot a bug. The same applies to the eggs of the bed bug. These are laid in the hiding places, such as the crevices of the slatted frame. Bugs hide in places that are hardly visible and difficult to access.

How to protect yourself from bed bugs while on vacation?

  • Do not unpack travel luggage in direct proximity to the bed
  • Keep luggage closed
  • Do not store or unpack travel luggage near the bed upon return, but for example in the bathroom
  • In case of suspicion of bed bug infestation, wash clothes in hot water

Bed bugs: How to recognize an infestation?

Whether your own apartment is infested with bed bugs and you should call an exterminator as soon as possible can be recognized by some clear signs:

  • Live or dead bed bugs found
  • Bed bug bites or bed bug stings
  • Sweet, disgusting smell in heavily infested rooms
  • Feces of the bugs (small black dots on bed frames, bedding, etc.)

How can you recognize bedbug bites?

Bedbugs feed on the blood of warm-blooded creatures. For bedbugs, humans are the main food source. Humans are usually bitten by bedbugs while sleeping. Bedbug bites are typically not painful. When this blood-sucking parasite taps you, saliva from the bedbug enters the wound. This can lead to severe itching in sensitive individuals. Blisters or welts can also be caused by bedbug bites. Usually, the bedbug bites are arranged in a line. Bedbugs typically bite multiple times in succession. After each bite, the bug moves a few millimeters and then bites again. This creates what is known as a bug line. Symptoms of bedbug bites can include:

  • Redness on the skin
  • Severe itching
  • Skin inflammation
  • Allergic reaction

Are diseases transmitted by bedbugs?

The bite of a bedbug is not dangerous at first. However, it is still not conclusively clarified whether bedbugs can transmit diseases through their bites, such as Hepatitis B. One should try not to give in to the itching caused by bedbug bites. Scratching the bedbug bites can lead to skin infections. Humans react quite differently to bedbug bites or stings. Depending on sensitivity, different health effects from bedbug bites can be observed. However, most people share a strong disgust when encountering bugs. Bedbugs do not transmit diseases, but the consequences of a bedbug infestation can still negatively affect health:

  • Sleep disorders
  • Skin rash
  • Allergic reactions

Fighting bedbugs

Alongside the spread of bedbugs, professional pest control is booming. Companies that offer professional pest control report an increased demand for years. There is little one can do against bedbugs on their own. One should contact a professional pest control service. Combating bedbugs with various home remedies is not recommended. In pest control for bedbugs, pest controllers usually use insecticides in cracks and crevices and then seal them with silicone. Infested items, such as mattresses, must be replaced if one wants to effectively combat the parasites. Since bedbug eggs are very resilient, it usually does not end with a single visit from the pest controllers. As an alternative to chemical pest control, pest controllers also use heat against the bedbugs. For this, special ovens are used that must run at a temperature of about 55 degrees for 36 hours. However, this method of combating the parasites is costly and often less effective.

Home remedies against bedbugs

It is not advisable to combat bedbugs and other parasites without professional help. The means used to combat bedbugs in the house should only be applied by a professional pest controller. Insecticides should kill the bedbugs, preferably with a product that is safe for humans and the environment. Therefore, the development of suitable means for pest control is difficult.

Bed bugs due to poor hygiene?

Many people do not know that bed bugs have nothing to do with poor hygiene. One can completely unknowingly bring these creatures home after a trip, overnight stays in hotels, or the purchase of used items. And once the parasites have settled in, it will certainly be very difficult to get rid of them. To eliminate these pests, professional pest control must be called in. Exterminators use special insecticides for this purpose. Special hygiene measures do not necessarily protect against a bed bug infestation. In the case of a bed bug infestation, one can only turn to the exterminator. However, there are some preventive measures that can be taken while traveling as well as at home. Often, it helps to prevent a bed bug infestation by doing:

  • impregnate suitcase and travel bags with permethrin as insect protection before the trip
  • use bed bug barriers for travel luggage
  • do not unpack travel luggage on the bed or sofa, but e.g. in the bathroom
  • wash travel clothes in hot water
  • use special encasements for mattresses

Hygiene tips for the mattress

In the case of a bed bug infestation, only the help of professional exterminators can help. And even though poor hygiene is not a cause of an infestation with these parasites, one should pay attention to appropriate hygiene of their bed and mattress. Items like special mattress covers can protect the mattress from bed bugs. Other items like sprays for impregnating the mattress or other objects can also be effective. In general, one should know that despite appropriate hygiene, bed bugs and other parasites can enter living spaces. Nevertheless, one should

  • Pay attention to good air circulation of the mattress
  • Vacuum the mattress regularly
  • Rotate mattresses regularly
  • Ensure breathable and washable covers for the mattress
  • Bedding wash regularly in hot water
  • Mattress cover wash regularly

See also: House dust mites, Mite allergy, Pesticides