Don't let the bed bugs bite: Experts say the nation faces a resurgence of these insects
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Bed bugs have frightened travellers for centuries with their late-night biting antics.
But while these troublesome insects never fully disappeared, state governments and pest experts confirm they are now seeing a major ‘resurgence’ across Australia and the world.
Bed bugs are small, elusive, and resilient pests that feed on human blood, often causing itchy, red welts. They are notoriously difficult to eliminate, leading to a rise in demand for pest control services nationwide.
Domenica Calarco, an Australian reality star, recently shared her harrowing experience with bed bugs after staying in a Melbourne hotel.
'The itching is so intense you can't have clothes on, even air conditioning would make me itchy when I feel the breeze on my skin,' she shared.
'I cannot believe how many people have had them.'
Christopher Moschella, a Sydney-based pest control expert, confirmed the rise in bed bug infestations.
According to him, since travel resumed post-COVID-19, he has seen an increase in bed bug-related jobs. He’s even attending to at least two of these jobs per week.
'It's non-stop, and things can get wildly out of control. It's horrendous,' he said.
According to Mr Moschella, bed bug infestations are the 'worst' pest problem people can experience, causing significant mental health and financial stress.
Effective treatment requires a minimum of six weeks of step-by-step treatments, and people need to do all the preparation work first.
It is recommended to prepare the infected rooms before professional treatment. This includes emptying them of all items and furniture, and heat washing all clothes and linen using heat over 50 degrees.
Following this, a pest controller will soak the area in chemicals on at least two separate occasions.
Mr Moschella then recommended a final hot steam clean of the space. During those weeks, it is advised you do not stay in those rooms.
'These infestations can easily come back,' he warned.
The cost of treating a bed bug infestation can be steep, with estimates reaching up to $1,000 to completely eradicate these pests from a home.
More than that, the psychological impact of a bed bug infestation is often overlooked. The constant itching, lack of sleep, and the stigma associated with bed bugs can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
'I definitely think the level of trauma comes from the stigma around having the inflamed red marks all over your body,' said Ms Calarco, who had to seek medical treatment for the inflammation caused by bed bug bites.
Ms Calaco shared her story on social media through a series of videos:
Source: @domenica.calarco/TikTok
According to Healthdirect, you can prevent bed bug infestations by avoiding second-hand mattresses, regularly checking your bed, and keeping your bedroom tidy to minimise hiding spots.
Clothing and bedding suspected of having bed bugs should be washed in hot water (at least 60°C) and/or machine-dried on high heat.
If you’re a frequent traveller, you can find more useful tips on how to inspect your hotel room in this article.
Most importantly, if you suspect a bed bug infestation, seek professional help immediately. Do not attempt to treat the problem yourself, as this can often make the infestation worse.
Bed bugs are a growing problem in Australia and around the world. By staying vigilant and taking preventative measures, you can protect your home and family from these pesky invaders.
Have you had any experiences with bed bugs? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
But while these troublesome insects never fully disappeared, state governments and pest experts confirm they are now seeing a major ‘resurgence’ across Australia and the world.
Bed bugs are small, elusive, and resilient pests that feed on human blood, often causing itchy, red welts. They are notoriously difficult to eliminate, leading to a rise in demand for pest control services nationwide.
Domenica Calarco, an Australian reality star, recently shared her harrowing experience with bed bugs after staying in a Melbourne hotel.
Pest experts have stated that they have seen a resurgence of bed bugs across the country. Source: Morgan Lane/Unsplash
'The itching is so intense you can't have clothes on, even air conditioning would make me itchy when I feel the breeze on my skin,' she shared.
'I cannot believe how many people have had them.'
Christopher Moschella, a Sydney-based pest control expert, confirmed the rise in bed bug infestations.
According to him, since travel resumed post-COVID-19, he has seen an increase in bed bug-related jobs. He’s even attending to at least two of these jobs per week.
'It's non-stop, and things can get wildly out of control. It's horrendous,' he said.
According to Mr Moschella, bed bug infestations are the 'worst' pest problem people can experience, causing significant mental health and financial stress.
Effective treatment requires a minimum of six weeks of step-by-step treatments, and people need to do all the preparation work first.
It is recommended to prepare the infected rooms before professional treatment. This includes emptying them of all items and furniture, and heat washing all clothes and linen using heat over 50 degrees.
Following this, a pest controller will soak the area in chemicals on at least two separate occasions.
Mr Moschella then recommended a final hot steam clean of the space. During those weeks, it is advised you do not stay in those rooms.
'These infestations can easily come back,' he warned.
The cost of treating a bed bug infestation can be steep, with estimates reaching up to $1,000 to completely eradicate these pests from a home.
More than that, the psychological impact of a bed bug infestation is often overlooked. The constant itching, lack of sleep, and the stigma associated with bed bugs can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
'I definitely think the level of trauma comes from the stigma around having the inflamed red marks all over your body,' said Ms Calarco, who had to seek medical treatment for the inflammation caused by bed bug bites.
Ms Calaco shared her story on social media through a series of videos:
Source: @domenica.calarco/TikTok
According to Healthdirect, you can prevent bed bug infestations by avoiding second-hand mattresses, regularly checking your bed, and keeping your bedroom tidy to minimise hiding spots.
Clothing and bedding suspected of having bed bugs should be washed in hot water (at least 60°C) and/or machine-dried on high heat.
If you’re a frequent traveller, you can find more useful tips on how to inspect your hotel room in this article.
Most importantly, if you suspect a bed bug infestation, seek professional help immediately. Do not attempt to treat the problem yourself, as this can often make the infestation worse.
Bed bugs are a growing problem in Australia and around the world. By staying vigilant and taking preventative measures, you can protect your home and family from these pesky invaders.
Have you had any experiences with bed bugs? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
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