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 cover the TQ14 postcode area, village and surrounding lanes.
Small cottages, big attention to detail
Older cottages have character, and also a lot of nooks: thick walls, exposed beams, uneven floors and old skirting that does not sit flush. Bed bugs need only a narrow crack to hide in. In Shaldon we take our time around the bed, the frame, the wall behind it and any furniture within easy reach of where someone sleeps.
Because the rooms are small, a problem in one bedroom can reach the rest of the cottage fairly quickly. We check the whole sleeping area and explain which spaces look clear. If the evidence is thin, we say so honestly rather than suggest work that is not needed.
Looking after a holiday let
Owners of Shaldon lets often handle changeovers themselves, which is an advantage: you see every bed regularly. Make it a habit to lift the corners of the mattress, run a torch along the seams and glance behind the headboard. Finding a dark speck or a shed skin early lets you act before a guest ever notices anything.
If a guest does report bites, leave the room as it is and get it inspected before cleaning. A tidy, well-lit room with minimal clutter is easier to check. Keep a short written note of any complaint and what was found, as it helps if the same room comes up again later.
Prevention for residents and visitors
Residents in Shaldon can cut their risk by being careful with luggage, washing travel clothes hot and inspecting any second-hand bed or chair before it comes indoors. Guests can help by keeping bags off beds. After an inspection we can suggest how often to recheck and what to look for. We also cover Teignmouth and Newton Abbot if you own property in more than one place.
Frequently asked questions
My Shaldon cottage is old and full of gaps. Does that make bed bugs more likely?
Gaps do not attract them, but they offer more hiding places and make signs harder to find. Bed bugs still arrive on luggage or furniture. A thorough inspection is simply more important in an older building.
How can I tell if a mattress mark is a bed bug dropping?
Their droppings are tiny dark spots that smear like ink when wiped with a damp cloth. They collect along seams and corners. Photograph anything you find and keep the bed as it is so we can look properly.
Do I need to tell guests if I find bed bugs in my holiday let?
It is sensible to be open with anyone affected and to take the room out of use until it has been checked. We cannot give legal advice, but a clear record of the inspection shows you responded properly.