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Inspect and correctly identify the signs of infestation early before it spreads widely. Look for signs of infestation, such as rusty fabric marks, reddish stains and dark spots on the mattress.
Most Common Bed Bugs Species
Bed Bugs in Malaysia
(Pepijat)
Bed bugs, known as "pepijat" in Malay and scientifically classified as Cimex hemipterus, are a widespread pest problem in Malaysia. These reddish brown nocturnal insects thrive in tropical climates and survive by feeding on blood. Their small size, agility, and exceptional hiding ability make them difficult to eradicate. Many people unknowingly bring bed bugs home after travelling, making them a common cause of infestations.
Identify bed bug infestations early and differentiate them from other pests.
Fleas, ticks, booklice, bat bugs, swallow bugs and baby cockroaches are frequently mistaken for bed bugs. Further complicating eradication efforts.
Due to their resilience, these pests are difficult to eliminate.
URGENT RESPONSE
The Lifecycle, Dietary & Habitat
Characteristics of Bed Bugs
They are tiny. Locating them requires trained professionals. Bed bug population growth is constant and rapid, with a female capable of depositing one to five eggs daily. They are the type of bugs that won't stop multiplying.
They can survive for a few months without a blood meal, after which they can resort to animals. Thrift shopping for clothing, purchasing second-hand furniture and travelling. These are the 3 most common ways to get a bed bug infestation.
Lifecycle
Nymphs, or 1st Instar, undergo five moulting stages before reaching maturity. Each moult requires a blood meal, leading to a development period of approximately 21 days to a month.
The baby, 2nd to 4th instar nymphs, grow between 0.5mm and 4.5mm in size during each phase. They shed their skin and darken in colour throughout this growth process.
Fully developed adult represent the final stage of their lifecycle. During this phase, they primarily engage in hiding, mating, and egg-laying activities.
Anatomy
Bed bug eggs measure about 1mm in length, resemble tiny grains and are the size of a pinhead. They possess a milky white or pearl-white colouration. Females lay between 1 and 5 eggs per day and can produce up to 500 eggs throughout their lifetime. The eggs are organised individually or in clusters with an eye spot visible after five days.
After seven to ten days, the eggs hatch into smaller nymphs. They have a translucent or whitish-yellow appearance.
Unless they have recently fed, their small size and colour make them difficult to detect. The adult bed bugs look like the size of an apple seed, measuring between 5 to 7mm. They have elongated bodies with a flat, oval shape and display a beige to brown coloration.
Dietary
They are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans emit and often feed on exposed skin during the night. However, in severe infestations, they may also feed during the day. While they can feed on human blood, animals are not spared, either. During feeding, bed bugs take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete a blood meal.
They accomplish this by inserting two hollow needle tubes into their hosts. The first tube injects saliva with an anaesthetic, numbing the feeding area, while the second tube extracts blood. After the meal, the bed bugs' size increases. They retreat to hidden locations for approximately 5 to 10 days to digest, mate and lay eggs.
Identifying Bed Bug Bites and Seeking Treatment
Bed Bug Bite Pattern
Bedbug bites typically manifest as a series of bites arranged in a zigzag pattern, consisting of 3 to 5 bites. The bites are commonly in areas like the neck, thighs, arms and back. Similar to flea bites, bed bug bites can cause severe allergic reactions, resulting in itchy red bumps. Applying anti-itch cream may provide relief unless an allergic reaction occurs.
Important to note that a small cluster of bites does not necessarily indicate a bed bug infestation. Accurate identification of bed bug signs is crucial for determining the presence of an infestation. Seeking expert advice from a pest control company is recommended to rid of bed bug infestation.
Contact Professional Help for Bed Bugs Control Services
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation In Malaysia
Bed bugs can infest a property by crawling between nearby places or hitchhiking on personal belongings, clothing, or plastic bags. They have three body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), two antennae and six legs. They can manoeuvre and jump great lengths to attach to belongings. Similar to mosquitoes, they locate their host through the carbon dioxide we exhale during sleep.
They locate our skin with their antennae and bite us to feed on our blood. While they can target other animals, humans are their preferred hosts. Successfully addressing a bed bug problem necessitates comprehensive treatment.
Engaging the services of a professional pest control company is the optimal approach for permanently eliminating bed bugs.
Scent
Bed bugs emit a musty-sweet odorous scent known as "alarm pheromones" when disturbed. While some may compare this scent to berries, it can become unpleasant at higher concentrations. In a severe case of infestation, the scent will be stronger, and it will not be hard to miss.
Presence
With their rapid reproduction rate, bed bugs can quickly amass large populations. Understanding their breeding habits and egg-laying patterns is crucial for effective control. Essential to seal cracks to prevent these pests from hiding in false walls and spreading throughout the property.
Nest
Inspect the perimeter of the bed thoroughly, including areas like seams, mattress, box spring, cracks, corners and bed frames. The headboards and furnishings such as chairs, sofas, cushions, curtains and drawers are the areas the hide. In severe cases, they will nest in electrical outlets and wallpaper corners.
Marks
Detecting stains caused by crushed bed bugs on bedsheets, as well as seeing tiny bloodstains on bedsheets. Their faecal matter will be in a darker shade on furniture, pillowcases, and clothing. A clear indication of a bed bug infestation. Their droppings will appear as dark coloured spots and may bleed like markers on fabric, additional signs to be vigilant for.
The Types of Bed Bugs Commonly Found in Malaysia
Types of Bed Bugs Species
Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius and Cimex Hemipterus)
It is important to know the species of bed bugs that you are facing.
Cimex Lectularius is also known as the common bed bug, while Cimex Hemipterus are also known as the tropical bed bug. Just like their names, Cimex Lectularius can be found in countries that experience the tropics and the poles. These countries experience distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
Cimex Hemipterus, on the other hand, can be found in the tropical regions situated near the equator.
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