Bed Bugs ( Cimex lectularius ) or vampire bugs as we call them are a nasty little parasite. Nocturnal, they come out of their hiding places to feed on human blood at night causing much distress to their victims.

In the last few years Bed Bugs have been making a massive comeback, this is put down to International travel which has allowed the bug to move around more freely. Bed Bugs can infest anywhere, they can be picked up without knowing and brought into the home. Many cases of which we have worked on are from customers who have recently travelled.

Female bed bugs lay from one to twelve eggs per day, and the eggs are deposited on rough surfaces or in crack and crevices. The eggs are coated with a sticky substance so they adhere to the surface. Eggs hatch in around 10 days, and nymphs can immediately begin to feed. They require a blood meal in order to molt and develop into the next stage. Bed bugs reach maturity after five molts. Developmental time (egg to adult) takes about 21 days. The nymphal period is prolonged when food is scarce. The adult's life span may be up to18 months and they are known to be able to survive for 12 months without feeding.

Signs of a bed bug infestation can be blood stains from bites or crushed bugs or by dark  spots of excrement on sheets, mattresses and walls. Faecal spots and shedded skins may be found in the area of their hiding places. A horrible, sweet, musty smell from their scent glands may be detected when bed bug infestations are severe. As the smell develops over time you may become use to it. Top hiding places to look for include along the edges of the mattress and behind the headboard.

The removal of these bugs is by know means an easy task we use several methods of control including cleaning along with sprays and dusts, multiple visits may also be required.