How to detect bedbugs in an apartment

How and where do bedbugs appear in an apartment?

More often than not, a bedbug problem can arise so suddenly that people become confused. The question of where bedbugs came from in an ordinary family or even in a new home comes to the fore. These insects are not picky about their habitat and can appear from various places such as pipes, ventilation systems, sockets, doors, windows and even external walls.

Dangers associated with abandoned furniture

Ecoz director Andrey Trunov warns of the risks associated with discarded furniture such as sofas, beds and other items. Bedbugs can use such objects as shelters and carriers. Walking past such “garbage”, you can accidentally introduce eggs or even live bugs. Avoid contact with discarded furniture to prevent potential problems.

How to check and detect bedbugs?

To make sure there are no bedbugs or to detect their presence, use the following methods:

Visual inspection:

• Places behind furniture: Pay attention to the backs of sofas and beds, especially around seam joints and corners.
• Wallpaper joints: When the wallpaper comes off, brown dots may appear, indicating the presence of bedbugs.

Tracking:

• Excrement and larvae: Black or dark brown spots and balls on the bed, mattress or bedding, as well as small drops of blood, may indicate the presence of bedbugs.
• Bedbug eggs: Translucent oval formations under the mattress or in furniture.

Odor detection:

• Specific smell: Bedbugs can emit a characteristic odor that is similar to dampness, rot, or a sweetish aroma.

Actions upon detection of bedbugs: stages of prevention and effective destruction

1. Don't panic, but act quickly:

• Immediately after discovering bedbugs, you need to remain calm and begin to take action.
• Panic can lead to wrong steps and make the situation worse.

2. Contact the professionals:

• Contact professional exterminators who can carry out a comprehensive treatment of the premises.
• Determine the scope of the problem and choose the most effective methods of destruction.

3. Isolate problem areas:

• Try to limit the spread of bedbugs by isolating the areas where you find them.
• Close access to sleeping and private resting areas to prevent spread.

4. Collect evidence:

• Take photographs and make notes of areas where bedbugs are found.
• This evidence can be helpful when dealing with exterminators and property managers.

5. Avoid using home remedies:

• The vast majority of home methods are not effective enough to completely eliminate bedbugs.
• Using ineffective methods may worsen the situation and make subsequent disinfection more difficult.

6. Clean up and avoid chemical repellers:

• Avoid using chemicals that will not fully disinfect but can cause allergies and health problems.
• Remove all homemade or low-quality products.

7. Analyze the source of the problem:

• Consider possible sources of infection. This may be the transfer of bedbugs through clothing, furniture or belongings.
• Take precautions when purchasing used items.

8. Prepare the room for treatment:

• Professional disinfection requires certain preparatory steps. Place items in tightly sealed bags, remove food, and prepare the area for chemical treatment.

9. Re-disinfect:

• If necessary, re-disinfect after initial treatment. This may be necessary to destroy hatched larvae.

10. Collaborate with your neighbors:

• If you have an apartment complex, inform your neighbors about the problem and work together to eliminate bed bugs in all apartments at the same time.
• This will prevent the spread of bedbugs from one apartment to another.

11. Take precautions:

• Follow your exterminator's recommendations and take precautions to prevent the problem from recurring.
• Take precautions when choosing furniture and purchasing used items.

Final step:

The process of exterminating bedbugs requires a careful and consistent approach. It is important to remember that independent attempts to combat bedbugs are often ineffective. Therefore, the best solution is to contact a professional disinfection service to ensure that the problem is completely eliminated.

F.A.Q.

What are the signs of the presence of bedbugs in an apartment?

Common signs include brown or black spots (excrement) on the bed, mattress, bedding, and on walls and wallpaper. Notice an unusual odor that may resemble rot, dampness, or a sweet aroma.

How can I check if there are bedbugs in my apartment myself?

Use a flashlight and inspect the cracks, seams, and joints of furniture, especially in sleeping areas. Pay attention to the presence of eggs, larvae, excrement. Areas behind sofas, armchairs, mattresses and baseboards are often preferred hiding places.

Can bedbugs appear in a new apartment?

Yes, bedbugs can appear in a new apartment, for example, if they are carried through furniture, belongings, or when moving from another living space. Visiting old furniture stores or using used items can also give them access.

What products can help detect bedbugs?

Strategies include using sticky traps, distributing detergent powders, and carefully inspecting areas where bed bugs may be hiding. Professional exterminators may also use dogs to detect bed bugs.

How can you tell if the insects you find are bedbugs?

Bed bugs usually have characteristic features such as a flat body, reddish-brown color, lack of wings in adults and white in larvae. They can be found in bed areas, furniture and other dark hiding places.