With bed bugs showing some evidence of resistance to pesticides, Growth Regulators and other additives have been added to some pesticides to attack the bugs in a different way, i.e. to stop them growing, developing and thus breeding. Even if the product fails to kill the bugs entirely, the ones left will die out in time.
The fact still remains though, armed with this knowledge, the professional pest controller will often use a different product at regular intervals to lessen the chance of resistance.
We are having more bed bug jobs to deal with now. They are a much bigger problem this year than last year and are having these come in as often as flea jobs. We have dealt with two bed bug situations this week alone. It is quite clear that people travelling need to be very careful that they do not bring these bugs into their home on their luggage. The movement of second hand furniture may also introduce then into your home. We have dealt with these in homes where people have travelled from America, Africa, South of France and India/Pakistan. Some have even been where people have not gone abroad but stayed in hotels in cities in the UK. We are doing 2 or 3 of bed bug jobs per week now.
They are not a sign of a dirty home so don’t be afraid to report it.
Unless your matress is soiled you don’t have to throw it away, it can be treated with authorised insecticides. If bed bugs are present, they can be found if you know where to look. There are usually tell tale signs like blood patches and smears around buutons or piping of the matress is there is an infestation. If in despair, call in a professional, it won’t cost much, if atall to have a look to confirm one way or another. You will also get good advice on what to do.