Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius)
Bed bugs, also known as "lutikka" in Finnish, are blood-feeding insects that easily infest homes, especially bedrooms. They are extremely persistent pests and require professional treatment. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites cause itching and skin reactions.
Identification
A bed bug is 4–6 mm long, flat, and oval-shaped. It is brown in color and darkens after feeding on blood.
Habits
Bed bugs:
- are active at night and hide during the day in mattresses, bed frames, behind baseboards, and electrical outlets
- feed on human blood while people sleep
- reproduce quickly – a single female can lay hundreds of eggs
- spread via luggage, secondhand furniture, or shared spaces like apartment buildings
- are very flat and can survive for months without feeding
Control
Bed bug control always requires professional treatment. DIY attempts are not enough to break the life cycle or reach their hiding places.
Professional control includes:
- Heat treatments that raise room temperature to at least +55 °C – kills all life stages
- Insecticide applications to all risk areas and structures
- Non-toxic methods, such as steam, freezing, or mechanical removal – ideal for sensitive spaces
- Inspection, monitoring traps, and follow-up treatments
- Comprehensive instructions provided by a pest control professional
The earlier bed bugs are detected, the easier and faster the treatment. Delays can lead to spreading, even to neighboring apartments.
Summary:
Bed bugs are highly resilient pests that require expert pest control and advanced treatment methods. Professional heat treatments, insecticides, and non-toxic alternatives are the best and most reliable way to achieve permanent eradication.