Bedbugs, the common one for humans being Cimex Lectularius , have been in existence for at least 3500 years. Indeed, evidence indicates that these parasitic insects may have fed on the Egyptians of long ago. They belong to the family of "True Bugs," which means that the insect goes through four nymphal stages and five molts -- a phenomenon called incomplete metamorphosis -- to become an adult. A blood meal is required to molt and advance to the next stage. Fortunately, although bedbug bites are annoying and the insects are disgusting, they are not known to carry and transmit any diseases to humankind.

The adult bug is about 1/4 inch long and has a flat, paper-thin pleated brown body that becomes rotund and reddish after engorging blood. The sucking mouth parts are very much like those of a mosquito. Bedbugs typically puncture the skin of the host, take a small sip of blood, disengage, walk a few paces, puncture and sip again -- repeating the action three or four times until they are loaded with blood and their body pleats have expanded like accordions to the maximum capacity. For that reason, bedbug "bites" look as if they lie in straight lines. Red itchy bite marks are the host body's reaction (allergy) to the bug's saliva that is injected to extract the blood meal. The marks typically last two to three weeks before fading. The critters almost never stay on the host; rather, they come out to feed at night and then go hide. Most infestations begin in the bedding or mattress and from there they radiate out into the cracks and crevices of walls, picture and window frames, furniture -- and even curtains and curtain rods! Eggs are whitish-translucent, making them difficult to detect. Nymphs are amber color and translucent. Nesting areas are evidenced by brownish-black fecal specks that look like ground black pepper; the areas oft times exude a curious sickly sweet odor.

Apparently, the Egyptians were unsuccessful in exterminating them, for there seems to be a resurgence of bedbugs in the Brighton & Hove Area. Several neighboring counties and especially London have noticed an increase in the number of bedbug-related complaints. The City's Environmental Health Section (Brighton & Hove) has logged at least 16 official cases over the past 12 months (According to the Brighton Argos, April 16th 2004), but that number may well be below reality: Some callers telephoned to ask for advice on how to rid themselves of the infestations, without offering their names, phone numbers or addresses.

Others simply complained to property management who'd then promptly alert their pest control services. Recent cases involved well-known tourist hotels whose clientele are pilots, flight attendants, frequent world travelers and the wealthy. Other cases occurred in houses, apartment buildings, residential hotels and even in an emergency family shelter. Therefore, bedbug infestations are not necessarily a reflection of unsanitary premises but are most often correlated to the transience of people.

How can you tell that you have bedbugs? 1. Have a look at these photo's below, this Swedish man after sleeping in a hostel room for 1 night! Note the size of the bites compared to mosquitos 2. The average size of a bedbug is comparable to a grain of rice, through once fed can treble in size!, under a microscrope these bugs are of a martian apperence! 3. You can normally find small droplets of blood around the nests of the bedbugs, normally in the cracks and joining of beds. 4. Your customers will proberly be complaining of a very itchy bed, but do note that bedbugs seems to be very picky with their victims, caucarcasion skin is by far their best feast.

If you require efficient Bedbug control in Brighton & Eastbourne or the surrounding area phone us today on

01273 812166