Bamboo: A Natural Hero Against Bed Bugs

With breaking news highlighting the current bedbug pandemic in France, the irritating, creepy crawlies are certainly having their five minutes of fame. France has been experiencing a growing bedbug crisis for several years, with an increase of 11% of French households being infested between 2017-2022. The French president was ridiculed when she called for an emergency national plan to tackle the problem in 2019, though cut to 2023, and clearly, this is no laughing matter.

Bed bugs are rising for several reasons, particularly in busy cities. The pests can attach themselves to anything from mattresses and clothes to luggage. The good news is there are measures you can take to protect yourself from carrying them into your home and bedroom. There are also ways to help prevent bedbugs from interfering with your sleep, from bamboo mattresses and mattress protectors that can prevent moist environments and washing your bedding regularly. Before we look at those, let’s explore more about what bedbugs are and why they are a health hazard that needs to be addressed – urgently.

What are bedbugs?

We hope you’re sitting comfortably, as this bit might not be so comfortable to read; bedbugs are essentially small, itchy insects that can hide in environments such as bedding, mattresses, clothes and luggage. They are reddish brown in colour and oval-shaped. Adult bed bugs are around 5-7 mm long, while bedbug eggs are tiny and white, often going unnoticed. They do not fly, though they can move very quickly. It can be quite disturbing to find one whether at home or on your clothes, often causing emotional distress, sleep disturbances and anxiety. Our homes hold a very special place in our hearts and naturally should be a place where we can relax and feel at ease, making it vital that bedbugs are a problem that must be tackled as soon as possible.

What causes bedbugs?

Bedbugs are pretty tiny, so it’s easy for them to sneak into your home in various ways. They can attach themselves to furniture, clothes and luggage and like moist environments. They particularly like bedding and mattresses, which can retain much moisture from sweating and losing moisture at night. If you have been exposed to them during the day, you can carry them back home. With the increase in travel from the Eurostar, national rail and aeroplanes, they pose a particular problem to busy cities like Paris and London. Our sleep expert Max Kirsten says “Travel and hotel rooms are the main cause of transmitting bed bugs”.

While Eurostar is keen to reassure travellers their surfaces are clean and safe and Kate Nicholls, the UK hospitality CEO says “there is no indication of this happening in the UK”, there are naturally still concerns. So what can you do to prevent bed bugs as the governments work on managing the crisis?

How to check for bedbugs?

To check for bedbugs, start by examining your bed area thoroughly. Look for small, reddish-brown insects, typically about the size of an apple seed. Check the seams of your mattress, bed frame, and box spring. Also, inspect nearby furniture, including nightstands and dressers. Look for tiny blood spots on your sheets or mattress, indicating bedbug presence. Using a flashlight can help in spotting these elusive pests. Remember to check in crevices and hidden spots, as bedbugs tend to hide in small spaces. If you find any signs of bedbugs, it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control service for proper identification and treatment.

What are the early signs?

Early signs of bedbugs include small, itchy bite marks on your skin, often in a line or cluster, which you might notice upon waking. Another indicator is tiny blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases, resembling small rust spots. You may also spot small, dark excrement spots or bedbug eggs (tiny, yellowish-white, and oval) in the seams of your mattress or upholstery. An unmistakable sign is the presence of live bedbugs, small, brownish insects about the size of an apple seed. Additionally, a subtle, sweet, musty odour can sometimes be detected in areas with a heavy bedbug infestation. If you observe any of these signs, a closer inspection or professional consultation may be necessary.

Bamboo to the rescue

Bed bugs are notoriously challenging due to their small size, rapid reproduction rate, and ability to hide in tiny crevices. They can survive for months without feeding, making persistent pests in homes. Moreover, a recent study suggests that bedbugs increasingly resist common pesticides, complicating extermination efforts. In this scenario, using bamboo sleep products can be beneficial.

Why is bamboo a natural defence against bed bugs?

We all have our comfort zones; bed bugs love moist environments, so bedtime is a favourite. Due to how much moisture we lose at night, up to 25 ml per hour, our mattresses and bedding can be the ideal breeding spot for bed bugs. Bamboo is moisture-wicking, antibacterial and highly breathable, making it nature’s natural defence to bed bugs. The wonder fabric is also thermoregulating, preventing overheating and reducing sweating for a healthier, fresher and more comfortable sleep. “As mattresses are a major carrier of bed bugs, choosing a bamboo mattress can help,” our sleep expert says.

What are some other ways you prevent bed bugs?

If you think you have bed bugs, contacting pest control and confirming they are irritating insects can be helpful. To protect yourself from carrying them into your home or bed, here are some simple measures you can take immediately.

1. Choose anti-bed bug bedding – Choosing antibacterial, moisture and breathable fabrics can help prevent bedbugs from disrupting your sleep. Our Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro is made with our fresh bamboo-infused BioCellFoam™, making sleep ultra hygienic and breathable. The hybrid is sealed with our signature smooth, antibacterial bamboo cover. Our 100% Bamboo Bedding and bamboo-filled Cloud Duvet will give you soothing, breathable, moisture-wicking bliss for extra comfort and protection. Take that bedbug.

2. Pest Control – Our sleep expert recommends “scanning your bedding and clothes regularly for bedbugs, especially the white eggs that can be hard to notice”. He then suggests “choosing a vacuum device with a UV light known to damage the DNA of bedbugs”. You can use this once a week to give yourself peace of mind and help prevent any outbreaks.

3. Wash your bedding regularly – Ensuring you wash your bedding, pillow covers, duvet, and mattress regularly can help prevent bed bugs from spreading. Bamboo bedding is a great choice as the fabric gets softer with every wash and dries fast. All of our pillows and Bamboo Topper come with removable bamboo covers that are easy to take off and wash. For full details on how to wash your bedding and mattress, head to our care page here.

4. Travel Safe – If you travel frequently on public transport, washing your clothes and checking your luggage when you get home is the best practice. This can help prevent carrying the bugs into your home, where they can hide and spread.

Remember, you can only do what you can

Ultimately, there are some situations where coming into contact with bedbugs is unavoidable. As distressing as this can be, taking the measures you can, from washing your clothes, having the best bedding and contacting pest control if necessary – you can only do what you can. Finding ways to relax to get a good night’s sleep is vital to your well-being. Try not to focus and worry, as this will help you feel more refreshed, calm and healthy.

If you think a bed bug has bitten you, it is best to contact your doctor to put your mind at rest and take their advice on handling any skin irritation.

You can explore our range of bamboo products here, from the Hybrid Bamboo Mattresses, Pillows, Duvets, Bedding and Towels. We hope our wonder fabric can help wrap you up in comfort, protecting you from bed bugs and bringing you the sweetest dreams.

FAQs

1. How does bamboo help in repelling bed bugs?

Bamboo has natural properties that bed bugs find unappealing. Its fibres are densely woven, making it difficult for bed bugs to navigate. Bamboo is also moisture-wicking, keeping the environment dry and discouraging these pests.

2. Are bamboo beddings bed bug-proof?

While bamboo provides a natural barrier, it's essential to maintain good hygiene and follow prevention methods to deter bed bugs. Using bamboo bedding can be a valuable part of your defence.

3. Is bamboo bedding a safe choice for those with allergies?

Bamboo is hypoallergenic and resists common allergens like dust mites and moulds, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

4. How often should I wash bamboo beddings to prevent bed bugs?

Regular washing is advisable. Beddings should be washed at least every 1-2 weeks to maintain freshness and reduce the risk of bed bugs and allergens.

5. Are there any specific bamboo products recommended for bed bug prevention?

Bamboo sheets, mattress covers, and pillowcases can all be helpful in bed bug prevention. These products are readily available, and offer added comfort.

6. Can bamboo products be combined with other bed bug prevention methods?

Absolutely. Bamboo products can complement other prevention techniques, such as regular cleaning, reducing clutter, and inspecting for signs of bed bugs.