National Geograpic shows us Bed Bugs in ACTION!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/WfKCcSPCOQo

The numbers of bed bug infestations are on the increase with the number of reported instances

up by a massive 5000%.

Bed bugs are popping up in a multitude of places –

homes, businesses, hospitals, care homes even on buses!

1. If you are staying at a hotel no matter how reputable the first thing you should do is check the bed. Remove the sheets etc. and carry out a physical inspection of the mattress. Use your fingers to check along seams at the top and bottom. Be sure to check round any buttons or handles on the sides of the mattress. These are favourite hiding places for the little blood suckers.

2. The second thing to look out for are very small dark colored spots there is a chance that these could be bed bug faecal matter. You will know for sure if the spots are stuck to the surface or if they smear when wiped with a damp cloth. Whilst doing this check look out for live bugs and skins which are shed as the bug grows these are translucent.

3. Take time also to check for bed bug eggs. These are about the size of a grain of rice and white in color. Often these will be found along the edge of the mattress.

4. Carefully check bedside cabinets, dressing tables etc. particularly in drawers and underneath. Clocks, radios and light switches are among other favourite hiding places. A good rule of thumb is to check anywhere which is fairly dark as this is the most likely place for the bed bugs to hide out. If you have any doubts DO NOT unpack your clothing and personal belongings. A tell tale sign that there has been a bed bug problem which has been treated is the presence of powder in drawers and cupboards and along head boards.

5. It is always wise to ensure that any luggage you may have with you is kept off the floor and firmly closed at all times. This should prevent the bed bugs infiltrating your clothing and belongings and bringing an infestation to live with you.

6. If you become aware of a strong odour in a room this too can signal a bed bug infestation. The smell is often described as being sweet – a bit like fresh raspberries.

7. Don’t be fooled into a false sense of security because the hotel you are staying in has just opened its doors. The guy who spent the night before in the room may have brought bed bugs form the one down the road in his luggage! ALWAYS CHECK even in the most up market hotels.

8. If you do find signs of a bed bug infestation inform the hotel management immediately and check out – don’t accept another room. Bed bugs do travel and can easily move about from room to room.

9. Before you leave it is essential that you check your luggage carefully, item by item. This may seem over the top but it will ensure that you are not taking home any unwelcome guests which will not leave again easily.

10. If you do discover bed bugs in your luggage make sure that the items are laundered in a hot wash and if possible tumble dry on a high heat.

Mole crickets are omnivores, feeding on larvae, worms, roots, and grasses. Common predators of mole crickets include birds, rats, skunks, armadillos, raccoons and foxes.

Mole crickets are relatively common, but because they are nocturnal and spend nearly all their lives underground in extensive tunnel systems, they are rarely seen. Mole crickets amplify their song by chirping in a burrow that they've carefully sculpted into the shape of a double exponential horn, which acts as a megaphone. They inhabit agricultural fields, lawns and golf courses. They are present in every continent with the exception of Antarctica, and are commonly considered pests. In East Asia, however, they are sometimes used as food (fried).

In some places, mole cricket numbers are declining due to soil erosion and habitat destruction.