In cinemas, hotel rooms, transport and housing, interventions against bed bug infestations increased by 65% in 2023 (source). Various methods, most of them chemical, are used to get rid of this little human blood-sucking insect. But did you know that there is a natural predator of bed bugs? It’s called the velvet skutigere, a millipede that may not be very attractive, but it’s very voracious. Here’s how it works.
Introducing the velocety bedbug
The swift centipede (or Scutigera coleoptrata) is a small centipede distinguished by its long legs and astonishing speed. Native to Mediterranean regions, it is now widespread in many homes around the world, including France. This nocturnal creature is often feared because of its appearance, but it plays an essential role in the ecosystem of our homes. It is a formidable hunter of unwanted insects, including spiders, flies, cockroaches… and potentially bed bugs.
Velocets: how effective are they against bed bugs?
Yes, the velvet flea is capable of feeding on bed bugs. However, it is not a miracle solution for eliminating an infestation. Bed bugs reproduce at far too fast a rate for scutigers to be able to eliminate them.
What’s more, since these millipedes are rather discreet and nocturnal, it’s unlikely that there will be enough of them in a home to provide a real solution to a bed bug infestation.
The limits of natural predators
As pointed out in several studies, including one by entomologists, natural predators of bed bugs, such as the swift skutigère, are not very effective on a large scale. In fact, it’s difficult to rely on these predators to completely solve an infestation problem. Their presence in a home may reduce the number of pests, but it’ s not enough to eliminate all parasites, especially given bedbugs’ rapid reproductive cycle.
Good to know: there are other potential natural predators of bed bugs. These include spiders, cockroaches, myths and pharaoh ants.
How to combat bed bugs effectively?
To get rid of bed bugs, it’s essential to adopt a combined prevention and treatment approach.
The following actions are recommended:
- Laundry: Wash all textiles at a temperature of at least 60 degrees to kill bedbugs and their eggs.
- Freezing: Expose infested objects to a temperature of -20 degrees for at least 4 days.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum infested rooms thoroughly, paying particular attention to the nooks and crannies of mattresses, box springs and furniture.
- Disinsection protocol: Follow a strict disinsection protocol.
- Use natural pest control methods such as diatomaceous earth and terre de sommière.
- Professional bed bug products: Use professional bed bug treatment products.
Sereni-d range: a natural, effective solution
If you’re looking for a complementary solution to bed bugs, Sereni-d’s professional bed bug products are an excellent option. The range is particularly effective in both prevention and treatment. What’s more, the range offers a very broad spectrum for complete bed bug treatment.
Conclusion
While velvetleaf may, to a certain extent, help to reduce bed bugs, it can never replace a specific, appropriate treatment. For effective pest control, it’s essential to combine preventive action with the use of appropriate products, such as those in the Sereni-d range.
