Bed bugs first appeared in the 17th century, many sailors used to complain about them, sail boats returning from Europe were found to be infested with bed bugs.This led to some countries experiencing major bed bug problems. Beginning of the 19th century we started seeing a rise in the number of bed bug infestation of epidemic Levels. It was estimated that 75% of British houses were infested. in the mid 1900s the introduction of a New pesticide marked the decrease in the numbers of bed bugs. by the 1970s this pesticide DDT was banned due to health reasons. So today the level of bed bug infestations Around the world continue to rise.

If there ever was a Vampire, Then this is it!

As a child our grandmother use to say to us, Good night sleep tight, dont let the bed bugs bite. This was more than just a nursery rhyme.

Where do i find them:

Bedbugs aren’t found just in beds and mattresses. They can be found in furniture, clothing, luggage, and more. And, they spread rapidly. First place to Look is the seams of the mattress and pillow cases.Then each sides of the bed frame, Headboards, followed by furniture, hanging pictures, walls, cracks and crevices, plug sockets, cupboards, clocks, curtains,.Remember these insects are small about the size of a Apple seed and very flat, so they can move into very tight corners and cracks. In some infestations they have been known to hide in speakers and Desktop computers.

How do i know if i have them:

You may not even know if you have them. Most people bitten do not show a reaction. Only about 30% of people experience reactions to a bed bug bite. But, if you get bedbugs, or suspect you have bed bugs where you sleep, don’t begin sleeping in another bed, or on the sofa. Do not go to stay with someone else. The bugs may follow you to your guest room or sofa, and then it will be much harder to get rid of them. They may hitch a ride to your relative’s home, and you can cause them to become infested. Bedbugs are exellent hitchhikers..

The bug is attracted to the host by both its warmth and the presence of C02,
The bed bug pierces the skin of its host with two hollow tubes. One tube injects saliva which contains anesthetics, so that the host feels nothing The other tube sucks the blood in. Feeding can take up to 10 minutes. Unlike some parasites, such as fleas or lice, bed bugs do not live on their hosts.

What do they Look like: bed bugs are oval, flattened, brown, and wingless insects approximately (5-9 mm) Long. They are similar in appearance to a wood tick.

What time do they come out at night:

There is no set time for the bed bugs.They are active Day and night, although they prefer to feed at night time and early in the morning "between 3am - 6am" when we are in deep sleep.

The Good news is bed bugs do not have wings and are not capable of flight or jump. The Bad news is they can free fall. Some studies show that they climb great heights in order to drop themselves down to lower surfaces that were otherwise inaccessible to them.

Why is it that i get bit but my husband does not:

It is possible that you are on the “bed bug side” of the bed. Bed bugs don’t switch back and forth from one host to another so if they find you first, you may be the only one bitten. It is also possible that your husband is getting bitten but does not have a significant reaction to the bed bug bites.

Stopping the bed bugs from bitting:

This method below was used in the 1940s, when bed bugs were a major problem. To stop the bedbugs from climbing the legs of the bed in order to get to the sleeper. The example below is with a metal bed frame, it can also work with a wooden bed.

To Protect your bed:

It is important to keep the bed Away from the walls, Try and move the bed to the middle of the room, or about 12ins away from the walls.

Bed legs:

Start with a generous amount of vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) Rub onto the legs of the bed frame, gently massaging with your fingers, the top part of the leg should be covered with about 3-4mm. Where you can actually poke your finger nail into it.

Next stage is the Glass cups, You will need 4 or 6 Glass cups,
depending on your bed design. I would recommend strong Glass cups, with a solid bottom. Carefully lift each side of the bed and insert the glass cups under
each bed leg. Dont worry about how the bed Looks, as long as no bed bugs can climb from the floor, you are safe from being Bit! Keep the Glass cups on the legs of the bed until your house is bug free.

bed bugs cannot climb vaseline Treated surfaces, You can actually grease the rim of each glass, for added protection. (view photos below) I would strongly recommend replacing your existing bedding with new pillows, mattress, white sheets, pillowcases, covers etc.. Your current ones might be infested, so let's start over from new.

How to catch a bed bug:

Using a sticky tape to catch them is a good way, whether they are dead or alive, its easy and fast. and you wont ruin your bed or furniture. Roll out some sticky tape from a tape gun, cut about 12ins or so. holding each end of the tape, gently press down on the mattress this will pick up any bed bugs or eggs. Concentrate Around seams, creases, folds, and around any tufts or buttons. Do the same with the headboard, Back and front.Then Gently fold the tape down into two, Then Use a plastic bag to Dispose the tape, When you have finished tie the top of the bag very tightly. This method also works for walls and Furniture. Its a great little way of picking up Dust mites, bed bugs, potent allergens..etc. (View Photos Below)

Going on Holiday:

So many people around the world that travel and stay in hotels have encountered bed bugs one time or another. Generally, Most hotels are clean, and well maintained.

Have you ever noticed bites on your legs and arms while on holiday, We automatically think its a mosquito bite, How wrong we are..

When staying in a hotel or apartment, No matter how tired you are The best thing to do is thoroughly check your room, first thing you should do is leave your bags in the bathroom or in the entry hall. using a torch, look at the bed sheets and mattress for small bloodstains or Dead skin, Lift up the mattress and look along the length of the seams. Check behind pictures, clocks, headboards, side cabinets, night lamps, and the edges of the bed frame. If you find signs of bed bugs in a hotel or motel room, insist on getting another room. If you dont find bed bugs and you wake up with welts or bloodstains on the pillow and mattress, lodge a complaint with the hotel.

Bed bugs Treatment:

There are many bed bug treatment and sprays available from several vendors online. Some of the primary ingredients to look for to combat bed bugs include permethrin, propoxur, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, fencalerate, benseneacatate, and resmethrin.

Carefully read the label of the package Before applying any pesticide. Apply the product only if you fully understand the instructions.

Bed bugs bleed you Dry:

Not including the trauma and nightmare of having bed bugs, They even cost you your hard earned cash.

A bed bug infestation in your home can be a costly one, You could be Looking at something up to $1000 dollars. This is roughly what it might cost you. $250 for an Exterminator ( 2 visits), $60 for washing every piece of clothing in your home, $300 for a new kingsize bed and mattress. $200 for replacing items from the home you have thrown away.

Hotels with bed bug problems would be looking at paying something like $60,000 - $100,000 dollars to treat all the rooms.

Herbal repellent for bed bugs:

Lavender is a natural bed-bug repellent. It is safe when used in moderation and smells good, but bed bugs cannot stand the taste or smell of the herb. Place lavender satchels all around your home, in the corners of your bedroom, between your mattress and sheets, Including cupboards and drawers.

You can make them by putting dried lavender between two pieces of fabric and sewing around the perimeter. You can also purchase lavender oil at a health-food store. If you're staying in a hotel, make a few sachets of lavender buds and keep them under your pillow and in your luggage.