In our modern era of increased international travel and immigration, bed bugs have become an increasingly prevalent problem. As these persistent critters spread upon contact, you could pick them up from theatres, public transportation, hotel rooms and any other place with an existing infestation.  The next time you return from a holiday, you could well have picked up a nasty souvenir.

Before you call in the professional pest exterminators, or worst still, attempt a do-it-yourself approach, you need to identify the pest. Bed bugs are attracted by the warmth and carbon dioxide exuded by humans. They usually bite in a pattern of three sequential bites along the arms, legs, waist and shoulders. The effect of a bed bug bite varies, but commonly results in itchy swellings and red marks similar to mosquito bites. Bed bugs shelter in dark locations close to the host, such as mattress seams, near the bed, or furniture used for sleeping. They also spread to other rooms via cavities in the wall. A clear indication of their presence is their excrement, manifested as dark spots which streak when moistened. Initial infestation concentrates around beds, but quickly spreads to the whole room. Heavy infestations usually give off a sickly sweet smell.

Here are some steps that you and your family can take to help prevent a bed bug infestation:

• If possible, replace wooden headboards and bed frames with metal ones. Although bed bugs can still hide and nest in metal, they are less likely to when compared to wood
• Always carefully inspect antiques and any second-hand furniture before bringing them into your home, even if they aren't upholstered.
• Always wash and dry on high heat any second hand clothing or toys or other items before bringing them into your home.
• When travelling, inspect the mattress and box spring you will be sleeping on. In addition to looking for the actual bed bugs, look for small brownish or reddish dots on the bed linens and mattresses. This is why most hotels use white sheets. If the hotels sheets are dark in color, this could be a red flag for you to check more carefully.
• When travelling, do not put your luggage on the bed, this gives bed bugs a ride right into your home.  Don't forget to inspect your luggage when you return from trips before you bring them back into your home.
• Vacuum at least once a week, pay special attention to areas around beds and furniture posts.
• Prevent bed bug harborage (hiding places) by keeping all areas free of excessive storage and clutter.

The complete eradication of bed bugs requires expertise and thorough treatments. MAJOR’s offers a two-step, two-in-one treatment programme. A combination of adulticide chemicals and an Insect Growth Regulator is applied on affected areas via an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) mist. The microscopic mist particles easily penetrate inaccessible areas including crevices, cracks in the wall, false ceilings and upholstery. Further to this, a targeted aerosol treatment is carried out at the areas where bedbugs are found. The combination treatment eliminates adult bed bugs whilst impeding the growth of the nymphs. About 14 days later, a second follow up treatment targets remaining bed bugs which survived the first purge. It is also targeted at the nymphs that may have hatched after the 1st treatment. Thus, the thoroughness of MAJOR’s two-step treatment programme largely helps in preventing recurring infestations.