Specially trained dogs now on the frontline to defeat bed bug infestations

Top tips to prevent a bed bug infestation in your home or business.

It's no secret that Paris has been grappling with an alarming surge in bed bug infestations, a problem sending shockwaves through the city. While this may seem distant, it is a stark reminder that bed bugs are resilient pests capable of causing chaos anywhere, including the UK. 

In fact, bed bugs are not a new phenomenon and have been around for thousands of years! In this article, we provide a deeper insight into these blood-sucking pests and suggest protective measures for homes and businesses.

Unpacking the Bed Bug Mystery

Cimex lectularius, commonly known as bed bugs, are small, oval pests thriving on human blood. Resembling apple seeds, these creatures are notorious travellers, hitching rides via luggage, clothes, or used furniture. Their minuscule stature and expert hiding skills make early detection a challenging proposition.

Swift Reproduction: A Major Concern

Bed bugs reproduce rapidly. A female bed bug can produce up to five eggs daily under favourable conditions. Without intervention, homes and businesses could face overwhelming infestations.

Where to Find These Pests and What to Look For?

Beyond beds, these creatures hide near their food source, including chair seams, carpets, wall cracks, electrical outlets, and curtains. Indications of their presence can include:

Faecal spots: 1mm wide reddish-brown clusters, often found on bed frames or upholstery.

Blood marks: Possible smears on linens or headboards.

Physical evidence: Live bugs, shed skins, pale eggs, and empty eggshells.

Bites: Red, itchy blotches, usually on exposed body parts. Some may experience severe allergic reactions.

How to prevent a bed bug infestation in your home or business?

Firstly, it's essential to understand what bed bugs look like and their common signs. This includes small reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, and rusty spots of bug excrement.

Carry out regular inspections (especially around beds, mattresses, bed frames, headboards, sofas and chairs).

Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places for bed bugs, ensuring you hoover and clean regular cleaning, especially in bedrooms and resting areas.

When travelling, keep any suitcases and bags away off the floor and away from the bed, ideally on luggage racks. Before settling in, inspect the hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs, especially in and around the bed. Check your luggage on your return home and wash your belongings on a high heat.

When purchasing second-hand items of clothing or furniture, thoroughly check them before bringing them into your home.

Early intervention is important for preventing the spread of a bed bug infestation. Therefore, if bed bugs are suspected, it's crucial to act quickly and contact a professional pest control company that specialises in bed bug control, such as Vergo Pest Management.

Effective Bed Bug Control Solutions

Whilst there are several bed bug treatments available, these age-old pests have become resistant to spray treatments. Heat treatment is a popular and effective solution to control bed bugs as it eradicates all life stages from egg to adult by exposing infested sites to high temperatures.

Bed Bug Detection Using Dogs

Searching for bed bugs can be time-consuming and costly, especially for multioccupancy accommodations or high-traffic areas such as hotels, care homes, student accommodation and transportation. This is where our fury friends come in! Harnessing the extraordinary power of their noses, specially trained bed bug detection dogs such as Vergo Pest Managements' Ted and Oakley can swiftly and accurately locate bed bug infestations, giving you the upper hand in the battle against these blood-sucking pests.

As bed bug infestations continue to make headlines worldwide, residents and business owners should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent and manage these pests. By implementing the strategies and best practices outlined in this article, we can mitigate the threat of a dreaded bed bug infestation!

For more information about bed bugs, visit Vergo Pest Management. For assistance in identifying potential infestations in your residential or commercial premises, download their free bed bug sighting help sheet.

https://vergo.uk

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Enabot announces the availability of the industry-first EBO X family robot companion

What is The Enabot EBO X? It is a versatile three-in-one home guardian, taking a revolutionary step for commercialised household robotics.

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign which raised $455,000 from 743 backers, emerging family robotics company, Enabot, today announced the availability of its family robot companion, EBO X. 

The EBO X industry-first commercialized household robot is now officially available to purchase from the Enabot website with an RRP of USD 999/£999, with stock landing on Amazon and other major retailers soon.

A Versatile Three-in-One Home Guardian

The EBO X is an advanced home robot offering superior versatility with its powerful hardware and software. It's not only a mobile homebot with Alexa built in and V-SLAM navigation, but an all-round smart home device with a 4K stabilised camera supported by Colour Night Vision and a premium speaker customised by Harman AudioEFX.

While it serves as a guardian with its agile home security and health alert system, it can also be a companion and playmate, providing flexible remote communication and diverse home entertainment experiences.

A Compact Intelligent Home Robotics Solution

The power of robotic intelligence of the EBO X relies on the computing components housed in its compact soccer-sized spherical body. It is equipped with the improved and powerful X3M chip, which is built using a dual-core BPU structure and can perform 5 trillion operations per second. This, in combination with the tens of thousands of hours of training data, enables the EBO X to quickly create a map of the home using V-SLAM technology, for precise area division and organization.

The EBO X is built with a strong and sturdy structure, making it effortless to manoeuvre. Its unique two-wheeled self-balancing design gives it the ability to move around with great accuracy and flexibility. Furthermore, with the help of the integrated dTOF and ALS sensors, the EBO X can avoid any potential harm caused by accidentally crossing boundaries or running into objects.

To offer solid performance in computer vision, the EBO X features a 4K camera with a one-axis stabilization system and an adjustable vertical angle within a range of 104°. It is equipped with an 8-megapixel ultra-low-light sensor and provides an impressive 106° super wide FOV. Complementing this outstanding visual capability, the EBO X also boasts a four-microphone array and reliable far-field sound sensors, enabling it to identify the source of the sound quickly and accurately. When a user talks to it, the device will turn towards them, getting ready to listen.

With all these advanced intelligent features in place, the EBO X can perform sophisticated tasks such as smart tracking. For example, if a child says "EBOEBO, follow me!", the EBO X will follow them wherever they go, like a faithful companion.

An All-round Home Robot that Keeps Family Safe, Connected and Entertained

The EBO X is designed to act as a "smart guardian", offering users helpful features whilst away from their family. Particularly for elderly loved ones, the EBO X offers the Elderly Fall Alert feature, which can detect if an elderly person has fallen via its pose inspection algorithm. Through the App, a Medication Reminder can be set up that triggers the EBO X to identify the elderly family member through facial recognition and provide voice reminders about the medications.

Additionally, to secure from emergency, the EBO X's Certain Areas Intrusion Alert allows users to designate certain places on the map as off-limits and will notify them if someone unauthorized enters the area, such as a child. If a child is crying or anyone at home is experiencing an emergency and calling for "HELP", the EBO X will detect it and trigger an App call to the users.

The EBO X connects people with those they care about by allowing for vivid and steady real-time two-way conversations with the EBO Home App, powered by a 4K Stabilized Camera. It permits multiple members of a family to log in and chat together at once. As each family member interacts, they can observe each other from the EBO X's point of view. Users can even leave relatives a message by typing a text that will be transformed into a voice message, or set reminder tasks. In addition, the EBO X is a great pet companion and can capture photographs of them at a low angle.

Designed to be fun and engaging, logging into an Alexa account gives easy access to the EBO X and its ability to connect to any Alexa service. This connection allows the user to control any IOT devices in the home. The speaker, powered by Harman AudioEFX, will give an amazing sound experience while streaming music and, additionally, the dynamic lighting effect will alter in response to the rhythm of the song that's playing.

A Commitment to Protecting User Data Privacy

Enabot designed EBO X with privacy protection as a priority. All content can be stored on a local memory card, if desired. There are three ways to protect privacy while using the EBO X: an on-off toggle switch in the App to deactivate the camera, a physical shutter to cover the camera, and a privacy button on the EBO X to shut off both the camera and microphone.

The Enabot EBO X is now available to purchase via the Enabot website with an RRP of USD $999/£999, with stock landing on Amazon and other major retailers to follow soon.

https://www.enabot.com/collections/ebo-x

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Proscenic launches the P11 Mopping 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner and mop, with a five-layer advanced filtration system

Proscenic, a leading innovator in home cleaning solutions, is thrilled to unveil its latest breakthrough in floor cleaning technology - the Proscenic P11 Mopping Vacuum Cleaner. Designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern households, this cutting-edge appliance is more than just a vacuum cleaner; it's a versatile cleaning companion that brings unparalleled convenience and efficiency to the daily cleaning routine. 

The Proscenic P11 is available from Amazon US for $199.99.  The Amazon page comes with a $50 coupon and an exclusive $10 code (5U4VVSWH) which expires on September 30th. It will also be on Amazon UK early October for £179 with an additional £20 coupon available.

The Proscenic P11 Mopping’s main, standout feature is its detachable mopping base, which allows users to effortlessly switch between vacuuming and mopping within a single device. With a generous 340 ml water tank with four outlets and 270-degree swivel steering, it easily navigates around obstacles while providing ample water for comprehensive and uniform floor mopping. This innovative combination ensures floors are not only thoroughly cleaned but also refreshed.

With a robust 400W digital motor and 35kPa strong suction power, this vacuum cleaner is a powerhouse capable of handling all kinds of dirt, debris, and even pesky pet hair. Its superior performance ensures it excels on various surfaces, including carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Say goodbye to the days of stubborn dirt and hello to a cleaner, healthier home.

At a lightweight 5.2lbs (2.4kg) in weight, the P11 Mopping Vacuum is designed for ease of use and portability. Its unique convertible design allows it to transform effortlessly into a handheld vacuum with versatile attachments for tackling stairs, cars, furniture, and more. Thanks to an ergonomic design and an optimised centre of gravity, it offers a lighter feel during extended cleaning sessions, making it ideal for whole-house cleaning tasks.

Another thoughtful feature is the onboard colour LED display and touch panel, which provides an intelligent cleaning experience, allowing users to monitor battery levels, choose from three cleaning modes, and receive error messages at a glance. With the Proscenic P11 Mopping, staying in control of cleaning tasks has never been easier. Also equipped with powerful LED lights and a multi-surface brush, the P11 Mopping reveals hidden debris and significantly improves cleaning efficiency. No more missing dirt in those hard-to-see corners.

The removable battery offers flexibility in charging, whether users choose to mount the vacuum cleaner on the wall, inside a closet, or simply lean it against the wall to maximize space. Enjoy up to 50 minutes of continuous cleaning without the need for recharging.

The Proscenic P11 Mopping Vacuum Cleaner is ideal to cater for the needs of modern families, especially those with children and pets who demand a clean and healthy living space. It's the ultimate cleaning solution that combines power, convenience, and versatility to meet most users’ floor cleaning needs.

Proscenic’s commitment to cleaner homes extends beyond just floors though. The P11 Mopping features a five-layer whole-machine filtration system, capturing an impressive 99.99% of dust particles. The washable filter reduces waste and ongoing costs, while one-touch dustbin emptying ensures users never have to touch the dirt itself. This advanced filtration system helps keep homes fresh all year round and maintains a hygienic living space.

The Proscenic P11 is available from Amazon US for $199.99.  The Amazon page comes with a $50 coupon and an exclusive $10 code (5U4VVSWH) which expires on September 30th.

It will also be on Amazon UK early October for £179 with an additional £20 coupon available.

https://www.proscenic.com

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Allergic Rhinitis is a year round problem. But help is available

Fortunately, air purifiers made by Blueair can help.

They are suitable for the home, or the office and they help improve indoor air quality by filtering the air to remove a wide range of allergens including pollen, pet dander, and mould. 

Pollutants like those released by new furniture or fresh paint, plus as well cooking odours, are also eliminated during the process. Blueair’s HealthProtect™ and DustMagnet™ series as well as the Blue 3610 have even been tested to remove viruses like SARS-CoV-2 . 

But with so many air purifiers available on the market right now, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you and your family.

Bearing this in mind, Lars Dunberger, who is the Technology Development Manager at Blueair shares some of the most important things to look for when buying an air purifier.

Check the CADR rate

The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is one of the most vital numbers to look for when you’re choosing an air purifier as it shows you how effective the device is. The higher the CADR, the faster the machine cleans the air.

The figure is based on independent tests performed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), which in turn recommends a suitable room size for an air purifier based on its CADR score. 

The room sizes recommended for Blueair’s air purifiers are based on the strictest of standards from AHAM - they’re capable of completely filtering the air 4.8 times in an hour.

Look for energy efficiency

Your air purifier will likely be on for extended periods of time, and perhaps even 24/7, so it’s of vital important that it’s energy efficient, especially in the current circumstances. 

All of Blueair’s devices are designed with this factor in mind, so even on the highest fan setting they use less energy than a light bulb.

Consider noise levels

If you’re planning to have your air purifier in your bedroom or have it on in the background whilst you work, checking the noise levels is very important. The number to watch out for here is the dB(A) score, and the lower this is, the better it is for you and your family's hearing.

For any devices designed to be used in the bedroom, it’s also worth looking for the Quiet Mark certification, which is only awarded to the quietest devices available on the market. 

Blueair’s devices use HEPASilent™ technology, which charges particles in the air before they pass through the ultra-fine filters. This process is more effective than traditional filters, which is what helps Blueair’s air purifiers stay energy efficient and whisper quiet.

Find the right size

Air purifiers come in a large range of different sizes and depending on your needs, one model might be more suitable than another. For example for a bedroom or study, a smaller device will suffice and it will save space in your room. But for bigger office areas and for open plan homes, you'll possibly need a bigger machine that has the CADR capabilities to suit your indoor space. This is one of the reasons why Blueair makes multiple sizes of its air purifiers.

Get one that’s made to last

Air purifiers can be a big investment so make sure the one you choose is designed to last. Blueair is the UK’s most awarded air purifier brand, and its design-conscious devices are designed to beautifully fit with your interior décor while being easy to use and very energy efficient. 

Blueair is one of the world’s leading producers of air purification solutions for home and professional use. Founded in Sweden, Blueair delivers innovative, best-in-class, energy efficient products and services to consumers in over 60 countries around the world. Blueair is part of the Unilever family of brands. http://www.blueair.com/gb 

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