SHARP INCREASE IN BEDBUGS FOUND IN SOUTH AFRICA

22 April, 2010

Early in 2009 Rentokil hosted bedbug seminars countrywide to advise the hospitality industry on how to fight these unknown critters. Since then a sharp increase in bedbug activity has been reported across the country. “We’ve seen an increase of more than 300% in bedbug activity since March 2009, predominantly over the warmer months, confirming that bedbugs should be a concern for hotel, guesthouse and other accommodation owners. If we compare the income generated through the treatment of bedbugs in February 2009 with that of February 2010, we have seen an increase of nearly 500% ” says Nathalie Leblond, marketing manager of Rentokil Pest Control.

Bedbugs are pests that conceal themselves in tight cracks and crevices and can be found hiding in a variety of places; from the seams of mattresses to shoes and electrical switch plates. Bedbugs are nocturnal, feeding on any warm-blooded animal, although it has been found that they prefer to dine on humans. There has been an ongoing debate on whether bedbug bites are a cause for concern and according to the American Society for Healthcare Environmental services, bedbugs do not transfer any communicable diseases to humans, however their bites can become red and itchy or cause an alergic reaction.

Rentokil offers these important tips to help prevent bed bugs from taking over your home or hotel:

• Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation.
• Housekeeping staff should check bedsheets for tell-tale signs of blood spots on a regular basis.
• Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home without thoroughly examining for signs of a bed bug infestation. You might consider having a pest control professional inspect the furniture as it is extremely difficult to detect an infestation if you are untrained.
• Regularly inspect areas where pets sleep for signs of bed bugs.
• Consider buying a large plastic trash bag in which to keep your suitcase during hotel stays.

“Only professional pest control companies will be able to eradicate this pest as bed bugs become immune to treatment very easily. We strongly advise the public to be on full alert of this high risk pest,” says Leblond. 

For more information, contact 0800 RENTOKIL.

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Released by Affinity Strategic Communication on behalf of Rentokil Pest Control. 

For more information please visit rentokil.co.za or rentokil.com/blog