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 →Bed bugs say nothing about how clean a home is. They travel on bags, clothes and second-hand furniture, so a tidy house can get them as easily as any other. Catching them early makes the whole job smaller.
Confirming bed bugs before anything is treated
Bites alone prove very little, because fleas, mosquitoes and other things leave similar marks. So we look for the insects and the evidence they leave behind. That means checking mattress seams and piping, the bed frame and headboard joints, behind skirting boards, and the edges of nearby furniture and curtains.
We look for live bugs, shed skins, tiny pale eggs, dark spots of dropped waste and small blood marks on bedding. In an older Totnes building with cracks, gaps and layers of old decoration, there are plenty of hiding places, so a careful look takes a while. If we find nothing, we say so rather than treat for the sake of it.
Rentals, guest rooms and second-hand finds
Totnes has independent shops, cafes and a lot of people coming and going, and that movement is how bed bugs travel. Landlords, people letting a spare room and anyone running guest accommodation should know the early signs and check a room between guests, especially after someone has complained of bites.
At home, the common routes are secondhand beds, sofas and bedside tables, and luggage that has been stored on a hotel bed. Before bringing a used piece indoors, look hard at the seams, joints and underside, and keep it away from the bedroom until you are sure it is clear.
Keeping them away after the problem is dealt with
Once a room has been treated, we suggest simple habits: keep the bed pulled slightly away from the wall, use a mattress cover that you can inspect, and avoid clutter under the bed. In Totnes we return to check that the problem has gone, and we are happy to look at nearby rooms. We also cover Longcombe and Dartmouth if you are close to either.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Totnes flat has bed bugs or just fleas?
Bed bug bites often appear in lines on arms, neck and shoulders, with spots on bedding and bugs near the mattress seams. Fleas tend to bite ankles and legs, and often point to a pet. We can inspect the room and tell you which it is.
I rent out a room in Totnes. What should I check between guests?
Strip the bed and look along mattress piping, the headboard and the frame joints for dark spots, shed skins or live bugs. Check behind pictures and along the skirting. If you find anything, stop letting the room and call us before the next guest arrives.
Can bed bugs come home with me from a trip?
Yes, they can hide in luggage and clothing. Keep bags off the bed while away, check the mattress seams when you arrive, and wash clothes hot on return. If bites follow, we can check the bedroom so a small problem does not spread through the house.