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 visit Longcombe and the surrounding TQ9 area to inspect, confirm what is biting, and sort out the problem if it is bed bugs.
Rural homes, same insect
People in country properties sometimes assume itchy bites must be from something outdoors, and often they are. Fleas, mites and gnats are all common near fields and animals. So the first thing we do at a Longcombe home is work out what we are dealing with, rather than assume.
A proper inspection covers the bed, mattress seams, headboard, nearby furniture and the edges of the floor. Bed bugs leave dark spots, shed skins and small eggs close to where people sleep. If those signs are missing, we will talk through the other likely causes with you instead.
Outbuildings, spare rooms and visitors
Many homes around Longcombe have converted barns, annexes or spare rooms that get used when family and friends come to stay. These rooms sit empty for weeks and then suddenly host someone who has just travelled. That is exactly when a stray bed bug can arrive unnoticed.
It helps to have a quick routine. Ask visitors to keep luggage off the bed, check mattress seams between stays, and wash bedding on a hot cycle. If a guest mentions bites, look at the room straight away, before the bugs have time to settle in and spread.
Avoiding a repeat
After treatment in Longcombe, we go through where the problem likely came from and what to watch for. Used furniture is a common route, so inspect any bed or sofa before it comes inside. A follow-up visit lets us confirm the room is clear. We also cover Totnes and Dartmouth if you have a second property or a relative nearby who needs advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can bed bugs live in a farmhouse or country cottage?
Yes. Bed bugs need people to feed on, not dirt, so any home where someone sleeps can get them. Older farmhouses with cracks and gaps may offer more hiding places, which is why a careful inspection matters in Longcombe homes.
My bites came after using a barn conversion room. What now?
Strip the bed and look along the mattress seams and frame for dark spots and shed skins. Do not move bedding to other rooms. Call us to inspect, and wash anything you took from that room on a hot cycle once it is sealed in a bag.
How can I tell bed bugs from harvest mites or fleas?
Bed bugs are flat, reddish brown and about the size of an apple pip, and they hide near the bed. Fleas jump and bite ankles, while harvest mites bite after outdoor time. We can inspect to be certain before anyone treats the wrong thing.