1. What do I need to do to prepare for a pest control treatment?

We do ask our customers to make some basic preparations, to ensure your safety and to assist with the treatment process: Put away all food, dishes, utensils and kitchen appliances. Put away towels, toothbrushes, toilet paper and put the toilet seat down. Put away any precious items that may be knocked over. Put away all childrens toys Put away pet food and water bowls. Clean and clear any items off the window sills. Cover fish tanks and turn off the filter. Cover all beds with a sheet that can be washed later. Make sure all pets are outside. Close all the windows.

2. How long do I have to be away from the house for?

For interior treatments you will&need to be away from the house for at least 4 hours, after the treatment. For exterior treatments you can stay at home if you remain inside, and close all the doors and windows.

3. What do I need to do when I return?

Open up all the doors and windows and remain outside for at least & 20 minutes. Wipe down all the food preparation surfaces before you use them. Do not wash the windows until 5 days after the treatment.

4. How safe are the treatments?

All treatments are professional applied, and are based on synthetic pyrethroids (which are based on natural pyrethrums). The products we use have been proven safe in sensitive situations over a number of years, and are all registered and approved by ERMA – Environmental Risk Management Authority of New Zealand.

Payment is accepted on the day of the treatment We accept cash, cheque, eftpos, mastercard or visa

Bed Bugs: A Bedtime Nightmare to Avoid

In recent times there has been an increase in the number of bed bugs infestations in Auckland and throughout New Zealand.

A contributing factor to this increase is world travel, with bed bugs being spread in luggage, shoes and clothing. Once present at high turnover accommodation, the hitchhiking bugs may then be transported and brought back to the homes of guests in their luggage. This can allow for a new infestation to occur inside the home.

WHAT ARE BED BUGS?

Bed bugs are small oval-shaped and flat insects which can grow up to 5mm long, changing colour from cream to brown as they mature. Adults have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs need to feed on blood to grow, are extremely resilient and can live for up to one year without a feed.

They tend to live in cracks and crevices in and around your bed, especially in mattress seams and travel on clothing, furniture, bedding and luggage. Their preference is to feed on humans but will also feed on other warm-blooded animals. Feedng time is generally at night.

While they do not transmit diseases, these little pests are upsetting and can very difficult to eliminate.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AN INFESTATION?

You may have bed bugs if you notice the following:

regularly waking with bites
bugs on your mattress, bed frame and other furniture
dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls.
blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases
an offensive musty, sweet smell from the bugs’ scent glands

Bites can cause red, itchy spots that are often found on legs, arms and shoulders. Some bites can become infected. Some people do not react, while others may not react until up to 9 days after they are bitten.

HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS?

This pest is particularly problematic to treat, with complete eradication unlikely to be achieved with a single treatment. Pesticides may kill the bugs but they are largely ineffective on the eggs. Follow up inspections are nearly always required and further treatments are often necessary.

The survival of eggs is also an issue. It is not uncommon for the live bugs amongst an infestation to be completely eradicated during an effective treatment cycle, only to have the remaining or surviving eggs hatch and populate the location once again. The eggs can also have an incubation period of up to two weeks and may be deposited in hidden areas that are difficult to treat.

Once an infestation is detected, all adjoining rooms should to be inspected and treated if also affected.

INFESTATION PREVENTION

You can help prevent infestations by:

avoiding using second-hand mattresses
regularly checking your bed for bed bugs
maintain an appropriate cleaning regime such as regular vacuuming behind beds.

NZ Pest Control technicians are certified in bed bugs inspections and treatment throughout Auckland. For further advice or to make a treatment booking, feel free to contact one of our specialist technicians on 0800 227 799 or at info@nzpest-control.co.nz