Frequently asked Questions about Bed Bugs
On the lurk
There's a little bug sitting...
In the digital age, in which mass and unchecked information and opinions are posted and disseminated, it is important to us to compare circulating information with specialist knowledge and thus arrive at more well-founded knowledge. Together with theThe Bedbug Foundation in Great Britain WALDEMAR actively participates in a consistent, open and honest approach to dealing with bed bugs in Europe and ensures their systematic and sustainable elimination without chemicals.
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We hope that this compilation of facts contributes to better understanding, provides good prevention and curbs overreaction and speculation about bed bugs.
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And always remember, bed bugs are NOT a sign of poor hygiene!
Stay bed bug free!
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Your WALDEMAR TEAM
The history of the bed bugs
The origin
The oldest remains of bed bugs have been found in Egyptian mummy tombs. This proves that the relationship between humans and bed bugs has existed for more than 4000 years.
Bed bugs are thought to have evolved from bat bugs (or a common ancestor) back in the days when humans lived in caves.
globalization
The bed bug population was then at a very low level for 50 years. Since the turn of the millennium, a different picture has emerged. Many media are reporting a dramatic increase in bed bug occurrences in Europe, Australia, Asia and North America. The resurgence of bed bugs is due to a variety of factors, with both globalization and climate change playing major roles.
The development
After the Second World War, the discovery and use of synthetic insecticides led to noticeable improvements in general living and housing conditions. At the same time, bed bug populations in Europe have seen a dramatic decline.
escalation
Incorrect control and the uninhibited use of chemical insecticides have led to bed bugs having developed resistance and are therefore not so easy to control. This contributes to the current situation.
The bed bug is a species of bug (Hemiptera) and belongs
to the flat bug family (Cimicidae). Like all its species, it feeds exclusively on blood. Their development cycle goes through five stages. In each of these stages it needs food (blood) at least once in order to be able to develop further.
An adult bed bug feeds weekly.
However, it can also survive up to six months without food.
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The five life cycles of the bed bug are shown here.
What are bed bugs?
How can I detect
bed bugs?
Bed bugs produce dark, watery feces once they have fed. These fecal traces are usually the first and best indicator of an infestation. Black ink-like stains on walls, mattresses, or bed frames are the most well-known signs of bed bugs. However, spiders, flies and cockroaches can also produce such spots.
How can I
Fight bed bugs?
Consistent action requires a systematic approach. The bed bug management system (BMS for short) is used for this purpose. This system includes clear processes, measures and behavioral instructions. You will receive a BMS after the AUDIT and before the fight.
It includes the following:
1. Audit reportfrom all rooms
2. List of construction defects with potential hiding places and bridges to surrounding rooms
3. training of employees, in dealing with guests, interpreting bed bug infestations and initiating measures in the event of an infestation
4. Training of the cleaning staff
5. Cost overviewof all measures
How can I prevent bed bugs?
In areas with high fluctuations in people, such as hotels, hospitals or community facilities, preventive routine checks are an important part of the process
Bed bug control strategy.
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Such routine checks can largely be carried out by trained (hotel-owned) staff. Just make sure that the staff is familiar with the signs of a bed bug infestation and that bed bug training has been carried out.
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Bed bugs 'thrive' best where they have opportunities to retreat close to the host. This means that they use cracks and crevices in furniture or walls to hide and reproduce.
When bed bugs are dispersed by chemical control or physical disturbance, they also use retreat spaces further away from the bed. Smooth and flawless surfaces can therefore reduce the number of possible hiding places and the uncontrolled spread of bed bugs in the event of an infestation.
Silicone or other sealants can be used to seal cracks and crevices, minimizing the number of possible bed bug hiding places. Such essential measures make future treatments easier and more effective.
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Chemically impregnated mattress covers are not recommended because such mattress covers have typically been treated with pyrethroids and most bed bug species are resistant to them. An alternative to these chemically impregnated covers is the purely plant-based WALDEMAR spray.
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Most hotels have luggage racks. Travelers are well advised to take advantage of these. The luggage remains protected away from the floor and bed and bed bugs only get into the suitcase under major circumstances.
Like see
Bed bugs out?
How can I
Treat bed bug bites?
Bed bugs feed primarily in freely accessible places.
They rarely crawl around on the host. In search of a suitable bite site, the bed bug bites multiple times, resulting in a series of bite marks.
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Allergic reactions to bed bug bites vary. Some sufferers show no reaction, while others experience severe blistering. More serious anaphylactic-like reactions are rare, but can occur.
IMPORTANT!
Similar bite marks can also be caused by other insects, such as mosquitoes, fleas and lice. Allergic reactions can also be caused by scabies, mites, and a variety of allergens