Advice
Signs of Bed Bugs and What to Do Next
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that hide close to where people sleep, and knowing the early signs helps you act before they spread through a home.
Read the guide →We explain what we find, show you where, and talk through monitoring and prevention for homes, rented properties and anywhere that people stay overnight, always in plain language and without pressure. You decide what happens next, and we explain every option honestly so that you can do so with confidence.
Where an inspection starts
We begin at the bed, because that is where bed bugs are almost always found. Mattress seams, tags, the bed base, headboard fixings and the gaps beside the frame come first, followed by bedside tables, nearby sockets and the skirting. In Cullompton homes, we often find that people have already moved bedding around, so we also check the rooms next door. Most of the time that is enough to settle the question.
What we are looking for is simple: live bugs, shed skins, tiny dark spots and blood marks on sheets. A sweet, musty smell can show up in bigger cases. If the evidence is not there, we say so, and suggest other possibilities such as fleas or a reaction to something in the room. Either way, you get a clear answer on the spot, so there is no need to wait and worry.
Rented homes and shared houses in Cullompton
Cullompton has an older centre and newer estates, and both include homes that are rented or shared. With tenants coming and going, and furniture arriving second-hand, bed bugs find routes in. Landlords can protect themselves by agreeing a simple process: report bites quickly, do not throw furniture out in a hurry, and book an inspection before anything else. Landlords who ask early usually save themselves a lot of hassle and ill feeling.
Tenants benefit too. Telling the landlord early, taking photos of anything unusual and keeping bedding in its room all help keep the problem small. We can inspect, write up in plain words what we saw, and leave both sides with a record that supports calm, fair decisions rather than arguments. Please keep any photos or notes you have made, as they help us understand how long it has been going on.
Travellers, workers and good habits
People who travel for work or stay in hotels near a motorway should check the room on arrival: pull back the bedding, look at the seams, and keep bags on a hard surface. At home in Cullompton, wash travel clothes hot when you get back. We also cover Crediton and Whimple, and within EX15 we are happy to talk through anything that has you worried.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check a hotel room for bed bugs before I unpack?
Put your bags on a hard surface away from the bed, then pull back the sheets and look along the mattress seams and headboard for dark spots or live bugs. If you find any, ask to change rooms and keep your luggage sealed.
Who should arrange an inspection in a rented Cullompton house, landlord or tenant?
Usually the landlord, but tenants should report it promptly and in writing. Either can contact us to inspect. What matters is acting early, keeping furniture in place and agreeing the next steps once the cause is confirmed. Keep a record of dates.
Can bed bugs be mistaken for other insects around the house?
Yes. They are often confused with carpet beetles, fleas or booklice. Look for flat, rusty brown insects near the bed with dark spots on seams. If you are not sure, a photo or a visit from us will settle it. Never squash suspect insects and then discard them, as a sample can help.