Bed bugs - recognition, prevention and control
The spread of bed bugs is not a topic that people like to talk about. Bed bugs are perceived as disgusting and leave bites, yet do not transmit pathogens. They occur all year round and worldwide and are mainly introduced through travel.
The spread of bed bugs is not a topic that people like to talk about. Bed bugs are perceived as disgusting and leave bites, but do not transmit pathogens. They occur all year round and worldwide and are mainly introduced through travel. They are found especially in places where many people come and go, such as hotels, hostels, hikers' cabins, means of transport and in the luggage. So it can happen that you bring these little animals home as an unwanted souvenir from your holiday. "If you suspect that you have bugs in your luggage, make sure that no animals get into your home when you return," advises Sabine Hentschel from the DHB consumer advice centre in Dieburg.
Infested clothing can be cleaned of bed bugs at at least 40° Celsius, better at 60° Celsius with plenty of detergent in a long washing programme. Books or bags etc. can also be de-bugged in the freezer at -18 degrees for three days. For this, the items must be packed in plastic bags and securely closed.
But bed bugs can also be brought into your own four walls by buying second-hand goods. A bed bug infestation is not caused by a lack of hygiene. However, an infestation can be detected more quickly and thus combated in a tidy and clear environment. If you find an infestation in your home, do not hesitate to contact a pest controller.