About bed bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that hide in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards and furniture and come out at night to feed. They are not linked to dirty homes. They travel in luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture, so anywhere people come and go, from family homes to hotels and HMOs, can be affected.
Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but bites can be very itchy and an infestation is distressing to live with.
Signs of bed bugs
- Itchy bites, often in a line or cluster, on skin exposed during sleep
- Small blood spots on sheets and pillowcases
- Dark spots of droppings on mattress seams and bed frames
- Pale shed skins and tiny white eggs, about 1mm long
How we treat bed bugs
Bed bugs are hard to clear without professional help, and shop-bought sprays often just spread them around. After a thorough inspection we treat the affected rooms and furniture, and return about two weeks later to treat any bugs that have hatched since. We will give you a preparation sheet before the first visit so the treatment works first time.
Hotels, HMOs and landlords
Where rooms turn over often, bed bugs can spread quickly from one room to the next. We work discreetly around guests and tenants, check neighbouring rooms, and can provide written reports for your records. Regular checks can be added to a pest control contract.
Frequently asked questions
How many visits do bed bugs need?
Usually two, about two weeks apart. The second visit deals with bugs that hatch from eggs after the first treatment.
Do I need to throw away my mattress?
Usually not. Mattresses and beds can normally be treated. Throwing furniture out can spread bed bugs to other rooms or homes.
How do I prepare for a bed bug treatment?
We will send you a preparation sheet before the first visit. It covers washing bedding and clothes, clearing floors and keeping belongings in the affected room.
