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 inspect, confirm the cause of bites and give straightforward advice on what happens next.
Second homes that sit empty then fill up
A holiday home that is empty for weeks and then used by several groups in a row is hard to monitor. Bites might be reported days after a stay ends, by which point the guests have gone home with their luggage. That makes early checking by whoever looks after the property very valuable.
When we inspect a Salcombe holiday home, we start with the main beds and sofa beds, then bunk rooms and spare mattresses, because lightly used beds are often forgotten. We look for live bugs, eggs, shed skins and dark droppings in the seams, slats and joints, and report what we actually find.
Waterfront businesses and staff accommodation
Hospitality around Salcombe's estuary relies on seasonal staff, and shared staff lodgings can see bed bugs spread from room to room if no one acts. Guest rooms above restaurants or pubs need the same attention, as a single bad report can hurt a small business badly.
We keep visits discreet and practical. If a room is confirmed, we explain which rooms should be checked next, what staff should and should not do with bedding, and when it is safe to put the room back into use after the follow-up visit confirms it is clear.
Prevention for owners and residents
Washable mattress covers, uncluttered bed bases and a quick check at each changeover do most of the work. Teach cleaners what dark spots on a seam look like. Steep Salcombe streets mean deliveries and used furniture arrive from elsewhere, so inspect anything second-hand before it enters a bedroom. We also cover Dartmouth and Ivybridge nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Can bed bugs survive in a Salcombe holiday home left empty over winter?
Adult bed bugs can survive for a long time without feeding, so an empty property may not be clear. If bites were reported before it was shut up, have it inspected before the first guests arrive in spring.
What should cleaners look for when changing beds?
Dark specks along mattress piping, tiny pale eggs, shed skins and small rust-coloured marks on sheets. Also check the headboard and bed base. Anything unusual should be reported to the owner straight away rather than washed and forgotten.
My staff house has several beds. Do we need to treat them all?
Not necessarily. We inspect each bed and nearby furniture first, then advise where a problem is confirmed and where checks are enough. Moving staff between rooms before inspection can spread bugs, so wait for our advice.