“Out with the bedbugs! Scissors out! Germans, go to Germany! Where you came from, there you go!” This and many other incantations were used in earlier times to get rid of bedbugs. Did it work? We will never know. Fortunately, much more convincing methods of getting rid of bedbugs have been developed.

Nesting locations: they do not like light, so they spend the day hiding in dark cracks or crevices. At night, however, they attack sleeping humans, suck their blood and then return to their hiding places.

Life cycle: live for about 15 months. The whole development cycle from egg to maturity takes 30-40 days. In unsuitable conditions 80-100 days. Bed bugs do not tolerate sudden changes in temperature well, which can kill them. At a temperature of 15 degrees, they live for one day.

Frequency of eradication: because of their very secretive nature, several eradication procedures may be necessary to eradicate them.

Damage caused: earthworms are vectors of infectious diseases.

Conditions for control: do not change bedding before control. Ensure good access to all soft furnishings, as they will all need to be turned around.

Mistakes that are made: mattresses, blankets, pillows and the wooden structures of beds and sofas must be treated to control bed bugs. All bed linen should be washed at 90 degrees after control.

The means used and how quickly they take effect: Long-lasting insecticides are used to control the insects. Because of their very covert nature, several control measures may be needed to eradicate them, as sometimes their nests can be in very unexpected places. In most cases, results can be seen within a week or so.