Bedbug PCR-test

Situation

Bed bugs are currently spreading rapidly in Europe. In Paris, for example, 11% of households are affected, and in Germany the number of cases has increased 50-fold.* The causes cited are tourism, increased travel and the trade in second-hand goods. However, the main cause of the increase is the development of resistance to insecticides. Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that feed on the blood of humans or pets and give off an unpleasant odour. They spread worldwide in luggage.

Problem

It is a common misconception that bedbug infestations are caused by poor hygiene. In fact, bedbugs are easily transmitted regardless of hygiene.  They are carried in luggage from holiday homes, guesthouses, Airbnbs, hotel rooms, suites or alpine huts.

The general public knows very little about bedbugs. As bedbugs are associated with times of war, infestations are often overlooked at first, which can have dramatic consequences. Bedbugs are often not recognised or are confused with other insects, meaning that an infestation can spread unnoticed within a very short time. Female bedbugs produce up to 500 eggs, from which larvae hatch within six to ten days. These bite again and also reproduce. As they are very small at first and hide during the day, they are often difficult to see with the naked eye. To date, 28 pathogens have been detected in bedbugs.**

Effects

A bedbug infestation is considered disgusting and unhygienic. The insects secrete a foul-smelling substance and leave behind traces of faeces or nymph skins.

The consequences include restless sleep due to bites, red pustules or blisters, and blood stains from bites on clothing or bedding.

Early diagnosis is essential to limit the spread of the parasites. As bed bugs spread throughout the entire home, the cost of combating them can be very high. Bed, mattress, wardrobe, carpets, skirting boards, picture frames, sofa, etc.

Previous methods such as antigen tests are unreliable and unspecific, as they also detect other animals such as dust mites or carpet beetles. Analysis using sniffer dogs is very costly.

Your advantage

The Sinsoma PCR test detects bed bugs in a discreet, cost-effective and early manner. It provides a result that is 100% reliable. DNA traces do not lie: if they are present, the test result is positive. Unfortunately, previous antigen tests are inaccurate because they also detect other animals, such as dust mites or carpet beetles.

Our DNA test can be used preventively, in cases of suspicion or for follow-up checks after pest control measures.