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Most people do not expect bed bugs in their homes. This is why they are often discovered only after itchy bites begin appearing in the morning or other signs of their presence become visible.
You may return from a holiday with a few itchy bites, a child may come home from an outdoor school trip covered in bites, or unusual marks may appear after a visit to friends. Mosquitoes or an allergic reaction are usually the first explanation, while bed bugs are considered less often. This means that valuable time may pass before the true cause is identified.
Bed bugs are active mainly at night and hide very effectively during the day in cracks, crevices and other hard-to-reach areas. They are therefore often noticed only after the population has increased significantly. The first signs are usually itchy bites, tiny dark spots on bedding or an occasional live insect close to the bed.
Their secretive behaviour makes bed bugs one of the most difficult household pests to control. Successful treatment requires rapid action, thorough treatment of every hiding place and the use of effective insecticides.
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is fully adapted to life near people. It is rarely encountered away from human environments and commonly occurs in hotels, apartments, hostels, homes and other accommodation where it has regular access to a blood meal.
During the day, bed bugs hide close to their food source, usually the bed. They prefer tight spaces and materials such as wood, plastic and textiles. At night, when people are sleeping, they emerge to feed and then return to their hiding places until the next meal.
A few preventive steps can be taken as soon as you arrive at a hotel room, apartment or holiday cottage. Keep suitcases and backpacks off the floor and away from the bed to reduce the likelihood of bed bugs entering your luggage.
Inspect mattress seams, the bed frame and cracks or crevices close to the bed. This can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the signs, but a moderate infestation may reveal a characteristic odour, dark droppings, shed skins and bed bugs of different sizes.
Bed bugs do not spend most of their time on the mattress. During the day, they hide in the smallest cracks and crevices, where they are almost impossible to see. They may be found:
Because their hiding places may be widely dispersed, a superficial inspection can easily miss them.
Bed bugs feed almost exclusively at night. They are attracted by body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide. During the day they remain hidden, so several weeks may pass before their presence is suspected. A female can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifetime, allowing the population to grow rapidly if the infestation is not detected early.
Many people initially treat only the mattress or visible parts of the bed. Bed bugs also hide in furniture, cracks, crevices and other inaccessible locations, so limited treatment is usually insufficient. Successful control requires systematic treatment of all areas where they hide or travel.
For rapid population reduction and initial control, use Effect Ultimum PRO.
Dilute the concentrate with water according to the label and thoroughly treat:
After the initial treatment, use Effect Microtech CS PRO RTU.
That is an advanced solution for controlling crawling and flying insects in domestic environments. Its innovative microencapsulation technology enables the active substances to be released slowly and evenly, providing long-lasting protection of treated surfaces.
The microcapsules release gradually and remain active in common bed bug hiding places.
Pay particular attention to:
Time is essential when controlling bed bugs. The sooner their presence is detected and an appropriate treatment programme begins, the greater the likelihood of preventing spread and successfully resolving the infestation.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
Holidays create unforgettable memories, but you may also unknowingly bring bed bugs home with you. They can hide in suitcases, clothing and personal belongings, so it is worth knowing a few simple measures that can reduce the risk of bringing them into your home.
Babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to mosquito and tick bites because of their sensitive skin. Learn how to protect them effectively, reduce the risk of bites and choose a suitable repellent for carefree outdoor play.
