Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood, usually while people sleep. They can occur anywhere and are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Bites are unpleasant, but bedbugs are not known to spread disease.

• Itchy bumps alone do not prove bedbugs are present; also look for insects, shed skins, eggs and dark specks near sleeping areas.
• Scratch as little as possible, keep the skin clean and ask for advice for severe itching or signs of infection.
• An infestation rarely disappears by cleaning the bed alone. A combination of inspection, heat or other non-chemical steps, safe products and repeat checks is often needed.
• Never use flammable liquids, agricultural pesticides, outdoor products or improvised heat sources indoors. Incorrect pest treatment may be more dangerous than the bedbugs.