Contact Us:
Telephone: (023) 9244
6017
Email: customer.services@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Customer Services reception in the
atrium of the Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant PO9
2AX
About bedbugs:
Although bedbugs feed on humans they
are not usually known to transmit any diseases, most medical
problems are limited to itching and inflammation through their
bites. At night when bedbugs come out to feed they will leave
clearly visible faecal and blood smear marks across bed sheets,
pillowcases and mattresses. If there is a significantly sized
infestation then the presence of the bedbugs may be accompanied by
a characteristic odour produced from their faeces and scent
glands.
Adult bed bugs are about 6mm long
and reddish-brown, with oval, flattened bodies. There are several
species of bed bugs, all of which are parasites of warm-blooded
animals. The common bed bug, whose preferred host is humans, is
rarely encountered, presumably because of improvements in
sanitation. Bed bugs are most irritating to humans when they feed
on our blood resulting in an irritating bite on the skin. Bed bugs
can consume up to 7 times their body weight in blood in any one
meal, however once fed they can go prolonged periods without
feeding.
Found world-wide the bedbug usually
occurs most frequently in areas associated with poorer properties
in large towns. It takes up home close to human habitation for ease
of feeding, usually hiding in furniture and cracks and crevices,
emerging at night to feed.
Control:
In order to control a bedbug
infestation it is important to treat all cracks and crevices where
the bugs could be hiding. These areas should include folds and
seams of a mattress and cracks in the frame of the bed, behind
skirting boards, window and door architrave, behind electrical
light switches, pictures, loose wallpaper, in the upholstery of
furniture and in the pleats of curtains.
Bed linen should never be treated
with insecticides. When treating for bedbugs rooms should be
sprayed with a residual insecticide (spray or dust), those used to
control cockroaches and ants are usually effective. In order to
eradicate a bedbug infestation it may be beneficial to contact the
councils pest control service who can treat the problem for
you.
Safety:
All pesticides are applied by our qualified
and experienced staff to ensure the safety of the public and to
minimise damage to the environment.
Contact Us:
Telephone: (023) 9244 6017
Email: customer.services@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Customer Services reception in the
atrium of the Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant PO9
2AX