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 →Our aim is to confirm what you have, deal with it properly and help you avoid a repeat.
Starting with identification
Waking up with bites is unpleasant, but guessing the cause wastes time. We look at the bed first: mattress seams, piping, the bed base and headboard, then bedside units and the wall behind. Dark spots, shed skins, tiny eggs and the bugs themselves tell us the answer.
In a newer Ivybridge home the hiding places may be fewer, but flat-pack beds and sofas have plenty of joints and gaps. In an older terrace, cracks around skirting and floors add more. Either way we give a clear result and explain what we saw before any treatment is discussed.
Landlords, tenants and shared walls
Rented homes change hands, and furniture often moves with the people. A tenant who finds bites should tell the landlord promptly, and a landlord should arrange an inspection rather than argue about the cause. Bed bugs are about movement, not neglect, and blame helps no one.
In terraced or semi-detached homes in Ivybridge, neighbours can be affected too, so it is worth a polite conversation. We can advise on which rooms to check, what to do with bedding in the meantime, and how to prepare so a treatment visit is more effective.
Stopping them coming back
Be cautious with used beds, sofas and bedside tables, and avoid putting luggage on beds after travel. Vacuum edges and seams regularly, and use mattress covers that make checking simple. A follow-up inspection confirms the room is clear. We also cover Salcombe and Totnes, which are not far from Ivybridge.
Frequently asked questions
I think my Ivybridge rental has bed bugs. Who arranges the inspection?
Tell your landlord or agent in writing, with photos of any bugs or marks. Responsibility depends on your tenancy, so agreeing it early is sensible. Either party can book us to inspect and confirm what the problem is.
Do bed bugs only live in beds?
They favour mattresses and frames, but also hide in sofas, bedside tables, behind headboards and in skirting gaps nearby. That is why we check the whole sleeping area, not just the mattress, before saying a room is clear.
Is it safe to keep sleeping in the room while waiting for an inspection?
Bed bugs are a nuisance and the bites itch, but they are not usually dangerous. Avoid moving bedding or sleeping in other rooms, as that can spread them. Wash bedding hot, bag it, and book an inspection promptly.