Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bed Bugs attracted to poor hygiene?
Unlike rodents, cockroaches and numerous other pests, Bed Bugs are not attracted to poor hygiene. Poor hygiene and/or general clutter will most likely hamper eradication. Bed Bugs do not feed on food scraps: blood is their only food.

Do Bed Bugs transmit diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV from person to person?
Common Bed Bugs are known to naturally contain 28 human pathogens but they have never been proven to transmit (either biologically or mechanically) any pathogens. Whilst it has not been observed it would seem possible to transfer Hepatitis B through contact with Bed Bug faeces or crushing a Bed Bug that contained Hepatitis B.

Will I get Bed Bugs at home?
To prevent Bed Bugs being transferred to your home it is recommended that you take minimal items home from the infested room. Any items that you take home should be inspected prior to taking them inside your home. This includes the clothes you are wearing.

How can I treat my clothing?
Treatment of your clothing is very straightforward, a hot clothes wash cycle (over 45°C) or 1 hour in a hot clothes drier will kill any live Bed Bugs and sterilise eggs. Other treatment methods that include dry cleaning, freezing, steam or chemical application are possible (after seeking advice of the pest manager) on items that cannot be washed or dried. Aerosols will not sterilise eggs.

I have Bed Bugs at home, what do I do?
Do NOT attempt to control bed bugs yourself. You could make the situation worse and make eradication more costly. Get in touch with a professional pest manager ASAP such as Allpest (1300 737 801 or www.allpest.com.au) for professional advice.

Can’t you treat the room with steam instead of chemicals?
Today’s chemicals are safe and leave a residual chemical barrier to provide ongoing protection. It may be possible to use a combination of steam and chemicals to increase the effectiveness of a treatment.

Unfortunately whilst steam will kill Bed Bugs it has limitations in that it cannot be used on electrical equipment, any water or heat sensitive items, has limited effectiveness in cracks and crevices and does not have any method of dealing with eggs or Bed Bugs that may get missed as it is difficult to find every Bed Bug and egg in a room.

For more information or queries, please call Allpest at 08 9416 0223