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 →If bed bugs are found, we explain where they are hiding, how they got in and what needs to happen next. We cover the city centre and the EX1 to EX4 postcode areas, for householders, tenants and landlords.
Confirming it really is bed bugs
Bites alone do not prove anything, because plenty of insects leave similar marks. We look for the physical evidence instead: tiny dark spots on mattress seams and bed frames, small blood smears on sheets, pale shed skins and the occasional live bug tucked into a crease. A faint sweet, musty smell in a closed bedroom can also be a clue.
We check behind headboards, inside bedside furniture, along skirting boards and under the edges of carpets, since bed bugs rarely stay only in the mattress. Finding them in Exeter or anywhere else does not mean your home is dirty. They travel on luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture, so a clean household can be affected just as easily as any other.
Student lets, shared houses and rental properties
Exeter has a large number of student lets and shared houses, and people moving in and out with bags, bedding and furniture is exactly how bed bugs spread. A problem in one room can pass through a shared wall, a landing or a laundry basket into the next. Early reporting makes a real difference, so tenants should tell their landlord as soon as bites appear.
For landlords and letting agents, we can inspect between tenancies, confirm whether a complaint is genuine and advise on checking rooms after a departure. Keeping a simple note of what was found and where helps everyone agree what needs doing. We also cover Topsham and Crediton if you manage properties further out.
Keeping bed bugs from coming back
Prevention in Exeter is mostly habit. After staying away, unpack straight into a hot wash and keep bags off beds and upholstered chairs. Be cautious with second-hand beds, sofas and cushions, and look them over in good light before they come indoors. A mattress cover with a zip can remove hiding places. If we have dealt with a problem, we can advise on monitoring so any return is spotted early.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Exeter student house has bed bugs or something else?
Look for dark spots on mattress seams, blood marks on sheets and shed skins near the bed frame. Bites on their own are unreliable. If you are unsure, we can inspect the room and tell you what is there, so you do not go to the expense of treating the wrong thing.
Can bed bugs spread between rooms in a shared house?
Yes. They can crawl along skirting boards and through gaps, and they get carried in bedding, bags and clothes. That is why we check neighbouring rooms as well as the one with bites, and why shared houses need dealing with together.
Should I throw my mattress away if I find bed bugs?
Usually not straight away. A mattress can often be dealt with, and throwing it out can spread bugs through the house and does not remove the ones in the frame or walls. Ask us to inspect first and we will advise what is worth keeping.