Bedbugs - Domestic premises

What are Bedbugs? To give them their scientific name they are Cimex lectularius which literally means bug of the bed.

 

The insects are not microscopic as is sometimes believed, these are reasonably large insects, when fully grown they measure about 6mm long.

 

Bedbugs infestations are rising rapidly, reaching epidemic levels in some American cities.  The U.K also has a major problem current hotspots for Bedbugs include London, Brighton, Bournemouth and Bristol and it is every householders nightmare to find these insects in their home.  Bedbugs are not to be confused with microscopic bed mites.  Bedbugs are large insects, full grown they are the size of a small ladybird.  These insects are blood feeding parasites that hide in the bedroom in gaps and cracks in furniture, skirting boards, behind headboards and pictures. These insects are active at night and feed on human blood.  Large numbers can develop if left untreated. Reaction to bites varies dramatically from minor irritation to serious allergic responses. The good news is that Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases. The presence of Bedbugs also causes great anxiety and distress.

 

Bedbugs are challenging to control. One female can produce 500 eggs and the lifecycle can be completed in 3 weeks under optimum conditions.  There is known resistance to insecticides and the fact that they can survive for 12-18 months without feeding means that you need experienced specialists to resolve your infestation.

 

Unfortunately many companies advertising themselves as specialists are in reality newly formed companies exploiting the recent upsurge.

 

Rokill have been trading for over 30 years and operate to the highest standards.  We hold the Queen’s Royal Warrant for Pest control and the following accreditations:

 

      ISO9001 Quality Control systems

      ISO14001 Environmental systems

      ISO18001 Health & Safety systems

      National training Award

 

We operate to the highest standards and our service team have received training from Clive Boase one of the U.K’s leading experts in Bedbug control.  

Safe

 

We are full members of the British Pest Control Association. We are also approved under the Safecontractor and CHAS Health & Safety assessment schemes. These accreditations prove that you are in the safe hands of a professional pest control company.  All insecticides are assessed for your safety and all Rokill Technicians are highly trained professionals.

 

 

Why choose Rokill? - Guaranteed results

Rokill are confident in our abilities and offer a 6 month guarantee on our work giving you reassurance and peace of mind.  Following an inspection by an experienced surveyor we will provide you with a cost effective solution and upon acceptance we will also provide you with detailed advice and guidance on how to reduce the risk of reinfestation.

 

The speed at which the insects develop is dependant on temperature and the availability of food.  Under optimum conditions they can develop from egg to adult in 3 weeks. In severe infestations thousands of Bedbugs can be present.

 

 

 

What would I see?

 

 

 

These insects are secretive hiding away during the day.  The nymphs and both males and female adults feed exclusively on blood.  The insects are nocturnal and will typically feed every 7 days for 10 -15 minutes absorbing more than its own body weight in blood. Humans are the preferred host but they will feed on domestic animals.  They respond to warmth, odours and Carbon Dioxide.  The mouthparts are piercing, a bit like a hollow needle, the insect injects anaesthetic and a chemical that stops the blood clotting. 

 

 

In the 1930 Bedbugs were extremely common in domestic property throughout the U.K, with over 10% of homes believed to be infested.  A steady decline was observed over the next 60 years, this was attributed to the success of insecticides and rising standards of hygiene.

 

In the late nineties numbers began to increase and in London increases of 25% per annum were recorded. Numbers are continuing to rise dramatically and it estimated over 10% of hotels encounter Bedbugs infestation each year. 

 

 

How are they spread?

Bedbugs can be dispersed between properties in luggage, second hand furniture and on clothing.

 

 

Where will Bedbugs hide? 

The key to effective Bedbug control starts with a through inspection to identify the extent of the problem.  Once our proposals are agreed we will supply a detailed treatment plan with recommendations for actions will be agreed with the client, this will include:

  

 

 

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