Bitten by the Bug

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs at Home

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Bed bugs have become a global nightmare. From infestations across public spaces in Paris to causing panic over potential outbreaks in Europe and the US to terrifying Asia, including South Korea and Hong Kong, these pests are fueling fresh anxieties among the public and giving a significant business boom to pest exterminators. Even Singapore was not spared by this panic bug. Major pest control firms in Singapore have reported an increase in infestation numbers here and are predicting that there will be more to come, as international travel volumes increase and travellers unintentionally bring these critters to Singapore from overseas.

The fact is: bed bugs have been unwelcome companions to humans for centuries, with documented cases dating back to ancient civilisations. These resilient creatures have adapted to changes in living conditions and pest control methods throughout history. While the latter half of the 20th century briefly witnessed a decline in bed bug infestations due to the widespread use of potent insecticides like DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), bans on such chemicals and increased global travel have contributed to the resurgence of these blood-feeding pests.

In this article, we take a comprehensive look at the biology, behaviour, detection, prevention, as well as treatment and control against these pesky pests.

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR

Would you recognise a bed bug if you saw one? For the uninitiated, bed bugs are small, flattened insects with an oval-shaped body. Adult bed bugs typically measure 4-5mm in length, making them difficult to spot. They have six legs and antennae, but lack wings, rendering them unable to fly. They are usually brown, but when filled with blood, can appear red or a darker shade of brown. Nymphs are smaller and lighter in colour. Due to their colour, these tiny pests can easily blend into various surfaces, further complicating their detection.