What Bedding Is Best To Stop Bed Bugs?

Spotted at Paris Fashion Week, and allegedly now on London’s Victoria tube line, there is a new guest taking cities (and bedrooms) by storm… Cimex lectularius. No, it’s not the name of a cool new fashion brand - we’re talking about bed bugs.

What is a bed bug?

Bed bugs are four legged creatures, without wings, that are found predominantly, as the name suggests, in beds. Unfortunately, they also tend to latch onto people – and can be passed from person to person, and therefore bed to bed – multiplying quickly (female bed bugs can lay up to 7 eggs a week!).

How to spot bed bugs?

Rather like an episode of CSI, you may spot:

• A mysterious musty aroma
• Red itchy cluster bites on arms and legs
• Untraceable blood stains
• Dark, brown droppings
• Eggs, egg shells and in cases of severe infestation, visible bed bugs

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Ok, I know what they are and how to spot them but how on earth do I get rid of them?
In serious cases, pest control may be needed, however there are a number of steps you can take at home to try and eradicate your new friends:

• Thoroughly clean and vacuum your bedroom
• Wash all bedding on a hot wash, followed by a hot tumble dry
• Use bed bug sprays
• Use bed bug interceptors on the feet of your bed to stop new bugs crawling up onto the bed
• Use a steamer on bedding to kill existing bugs
• Use bed bug proof covers on your mattress to stop them getting in
• Tea tree, peppermint and lavender oil are also useful for deterring bed bugs

What bedding is best to stop bed bugs?

Purchase new bedding and mattresses – memory foam and latex are high density materials, meaning they are the best at keeping those pesky bed bugs out!