How to get rid of bed bugs in your house
The resurgence of bed bugs in UAE homes has left many residents with sleepless nights. The mere sight of these pests can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. While a light infestation can sometimes be handled with DIY methods, more severe cases require professional intervention.
Controlling bed bugs can be complex and may take several weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the problem. These wingless pests feed on human blood—typically at night while you’re asleep—and can go unnoticed for long periods, especially in cooler environments where they survive longer without food.
Where do bed bugs come from?
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They spread through human activity and can be found in homes, hotels, offices, and any place people gather. Despite the misconception, they are not drawn to filth—even the cleanest homes can fall victim to a bed bug infestation.
Here are a few familiar sources:
- Second-hand furniture or appliances
- Borrowed or donated clothes
- Used items such as books or picture frames
- Luggage or clothing after travel
- Pets that have been in infested environments
Bed bugs typically hide in mattresses, cracks, soft furnishings, and crevices—making them difficult to detect and eliminate.
Signs of bed bug infestation
You may not always spot the insects themselves, but there are clear warning signs:
- Black faecal spots: Bed bugs leave behind sticky black droppings in corners, along bed frames, or on wooden surfaces
- Blood stains: Small red marks on sheets or bedding from crushed bugs
- Eggs and shed skins: Tiny white eggs and pale exoskeletons may be found near seams and crevices
- Unpleasant odour: Bed bugs emit a musty, sour smell
- Red, itchy bites: Waking up with clusters of itchy bites is one of the most obvious signs
Tips to control bed bugs
Bed bugs are incredibly resilient. While DIY solutions can help in minor cases, they often require professional treatment for complete eradication. Here are some initial steps you can take:
- Confirm the pest: Use the signs listed above to ensure you’re dealing with bed bugs, not another insect
- Stay calm and make a plan: Panic can lead to ineffective treatments—take a strategic approach instead
- Explore treatment options: If using insecticides, always follow safety instructions. For best results, hire a certified professional
- Declutter your home: Fewer hiding spots make detection and control easier
- Launder regularly: Wash bedding, curtains, and soft furnishings frequently in hot water and dry in direct sunlight or high heat
- Don’t delay calling professionals: Bed bugs can become resistant to standard treatments, so if home remedies aren’t working, bring in an expert to target hidden eggs and larvae
Looking for professional bed bug extermination?
At PROSHIELD Pest Control, our licensed technicians use customised bed bug treatments designed to eliminate infestations quickly and thoroughly. We target both adult insects and their breeding grounds for long-lasting protection.
