Bed Bugs at Home – Identification & Effective Treatment
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood and can cause serious problems if they infest your home.
Although they do not transmit diseases, their bites can lead to intense itching, irritation, and allergic reactions. Additionally, their presence often causes anxiety and sleep disturbances.
In this article, we will explore how to identify bed bugs, where they hide, how they spread, and most importantly, how to eliminate them effectively.
What Are Bed Bugs and Where Are They Found?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are tiny, flat insects with a brown color that grow up to 5-9 mm in size.
They are nocturnal parasites and prefer to hide during the day in dark, warm spots close to where people sleep.
The most common places to find bed bugs in a home include:
- Mattresses and beds (mattress seams, headboards, bed frames)
- Furniture and sofas (nightstands, cushions, fabric seams)
- Curtains and carpets
- Cracks and crevices in walls or floors
If you suspect bed bugs in your mattress, look for small black spots (their droppings), bloodstains on sheets and mattresses, or even live bed bugs hiding in fabric seams.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs do not fly or jump, but they move quickly and spread through various means
- Luggage and clothing after staying in hotels or hostels with bed bugs.
- Second-hand furniture that may already be infested when brought into your home.
- Public transportation such as buses and trains, where they may hide in fabric seats.
- Movement from neighboring apartments, especially in buildings, through pipes or electrical outlets.
That’s why it’s essential to inspect your luggage after traveling and be cautious when purchasing second-hand items.
How to Identify Bed Bug Bites
A bed bug bite is small, red, and usually appears in a line or cluster on the skin. The area around the bite is irritated and can be very itchy.
Bites most commonly appear on exposed areas of the body, such as:
- Hands
- Back
- Neck
- Face
If you wake up with new skin irritations that were not there the night before, it could be a sign that bed bugs are in your mattress.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Eliminating bed bugs is challenging because they hide in small cracks and can survive for months without feeding. To eradicate them, a systematic approach is needed.
- Heat Treatment: Bed bugs cannot survive at high temperatures. By using heat disinfection at temperatures above 50°C (122°F), you can effectively kill adult bugs, larvae, and even eggs – ensuring complete eradication.
- Use of Specialized Insecticides: Apply bed bug insecticide products such as Pankill Spray, which eliminates bed bugs at all life stages (eggs, nymphs, adults). This is a powerful formula that can be used on mattresses, sofas, and carpets. It is approved by the Ministry of Agricultural Development for use in residential areas.
- Καθαρισμός και απολύμανση:
- Wash all clothes, sheets, and curtains at high temperatures (60°C/140°F and above).
- Use a special vacuum cleaner for mattresses, carpets, and room corners.
- Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use, as it may contain live bed bugs.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Returning
To prevent bed bugs from coming back
✅ Inspect furniture and mattresses when staying in accommodations and check your luggage after traveling.
✅ Avoid buying second-hand mattresses and furniture without thoroughly inspecting them.
✅ Use protective covers for your mattress and pillows.
✅ Seal cracks and crevices in walls and around electrical outlets.
Act Fast to Get Rid of Bed Bugs!
If you need an immediate and effective solution, contact NOVA Pest Control! Our experts provide professional bed bug extermination using safe and effective methods.
