Bed bugs can be difficult to spot because of their size and when they appear. They tend to only emerge at night and bite people while they’re sleeping and only grow to approximately 5mm long. One way to identify an infestation is if you’ve been bitten – they usually appear as itchy red bumps often in lines across the skin. The household critter can be sensitive to temperature change, so can turning your heating off during winter help get rid of an infestation?
Pest control company Orkin says the pests cannot be eliminated simply by turning off heaters in winter. Likewise sitting infested items outdoors will not work.
Only extreme temperatures beyond what can be achieved naturally will get rid of bed bugs.
It explains: “Using freezing cold temperatures to kill bed bugs is one option.
“Put an infested object, such as bedding or pillows, in a sealed plastic bag, then put it in a freezer zero degrees Fahrenheit for about four days.”
Likewise, extreme heat can kill bed bugs.
It says: “A similar process can be used with heat. Adult bed bugs die at 119 degrees Fahrenheit, and their heat-resistant eggs require temperatures upwards of 125 degrees.
“Some infested objects can be safely baked in the oven at these temperatures of three to five hours to get rid of the pests.
“Safety should always be considered in deciding whether to treat in this manner.
“Frozen carbon dioxide sprays and heat distribution systems exist but require special equipment and expert monitoring.”
But extreme temperature is only best if bed bugs are in limited numbers.
If you have a large bed bug infestation you’ll likely need professional help to eliminate an infestation completely.
Preventing bed bugs in your home is the most important step you can take to avoid getting bitten this winter.
The Sleep Council advises: “Inspect any second hand furniture you bring into your home for bed bug infestation.
“Don’t buy a second hand mattress or even one claiming it’s ‘new’ from the back of a van – you don’t know where it’s been. An old mattress can host a rich infestation of lice, bed bugs and mould making it unsanitary and a potential health hazard.
“Instead look for an NBF Approved manufacturer so you know what you’re buying is safe, clean and honest.
“Monitor and vacuum your bed once a month. Check sheets for signs of blood and dark spots.
“Decoration is their enemy as is a well maintained house: bed bugs need a bit of warmth as well.
“Be careful – bed bugs can be brought into a house via old timbers – for example firewood from derelict houses, bargains from car boot sales or even in luggage returning from holiday.”
Other than bites, how else can you spot a bed bug infestation? One sign to be wary of is a distinct smell.