Is this a bed-bug?

Speedsie

As per the title, found this little critter last night - is it a bed-bug? Am boil washing all bed-linen to be on the safe side and will steam clean the mattress.
Any more tips?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

No. Count the legs for a start. A spider.

Chancer3001

Bed bugs are way way smaller apparently

A little spider who found his way in

Speedsie

Of course, it's a spider! Didn't have my brain engaged this morning!

tvjunki

Bed bug has a hard shell a bit like a beetle with a flat disc like shell and it can be the size of what you have there but they are smaller. Google it and you will see the difference.

If you are worried buy diatomaceous earth. A farm supplier sells it in Wicklow.It is crushed shells and it gets under the shell of the bed bug.
London and the US is riddled with them.

If you think you have them check if you have red spots all over your body or look in the creases of the mattress you will see blood spots.
Hoover everything including skirting. Spray the powder over the bed around the lefts of the bed skirting and door entrance(it will be gray but will disappear when you use the bed. Take all clothes and bags off the floor.
Awful things and awful to get rid off. Boil wash clothing and bed linen as well.

While on the topic, is steam cleaning a mattress a good thing to do? Reason I ask is that bed bugs and silverfish like damp places- would steaming not increase overall humidity in the mattress?
I’ve often thought of giving it a try but was never sure if it’s a good thing to do. Also, could hot steam do any damage to a mattress?

tvjunki

Deleted User wrote: »

While on the topic, is steam cleaning a mattress a good thing to do? Reason I ask is that bed bugs and silverfish like damp places- would steaming not increase overall humidity in the mattress?
I’ve often thought of giving it a try but was never sure if it’s a good thing to do. Also, could hot steam do any damage to a mattress?

Bed bugs like warm places and that is why they come out at night when you are asleep and attack your body. They stay in skirting, carpets beds and clothing. Awful awful things. You can get a rash as a result of them. Hoover clean and powder everywhere. The powder is really good but it takes a few goes.
If you have someone with breathing problems make sure they are not in the room when you are spraying. It is very fine dust.

Steam cleaning can be good but make sure you air the room while you are doing it and for the day and leave open the window at night.
Make sure the mattress is not on the divan base as it will not dry. Raise it up somewhere. It also depends on the mattress you have. Read the maintenance instructions as some should not be steam cleaned. The new memory form ones you cannot steam clean.

Duvets to be washed at a high heat as well. The more air the better.

If you have silver fish that is due to a leak somewhere. Moisture has to be removed from the area. Clean throughly the area and dry. A dehumdifier can work well as well once you have fixed the damp source.

^^^thanks. Glad to say I don’t have either bugs or silverfish - was just wondering about steaming a mattress but what you say makes sense- hovering first and then giving the mattress a number of hours to dry after steaming, free standing away from the divan sounds good.

tvjunki

Deleted User wrote: »

^^^thanks. Glad to say I don’t have either bugs or silverfish - was just wondering about steaming a mattress but what you say makes sense- hovering first and then giving the mattress a number of hours to dry after steaming, free standing away from the divan sounds good.

Bed bugs are awful. If you have a visitor from abroad they can bring them to your home and not know. You could stay in a hotel or b and b and bring the guest home with you.
Got paranoid a few years back as husband worked in london and the other workers were staying in a house and was full of them and did not know what was wrong(covered in red marks). I got him the powder just incase.
It was only when i researched what to do I realised how easy they can travel with you.

Dont forget your suitcase is next to others on the plane etc. I now empty my bags in the kitchen after a holiday to make sure there is nothing there. Washing machine on straight away. Better to be safe than sorry.

Once they are in the house they have a 3month life cycle so can take months to go.

Silver fish are often on old houses near fire places, kitchens bathrooms and where the house is not aired.