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 are not a sign of a dirty home. They travel on luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture, so a clean house can pick them up just as easily as any other. This page explains what removal involves, how to prepare a room and what happens after the treatment.
How to spot bed bugs before the treatment
Bed bugs bite exposed skin at night, often leaving a line or cluster of itchy marks on arms, shoulders or legs. Marks alone are not proof, because other insects cause similar bites. Look at the bed itself. Tiny blood spots on sheets, dark dots like pen marks on the mattress seams, pale shed skins and a sweet, musty smell all point towards bed bugs. Try not to panic or throw furniture out, as that often spreads the problem.
Check the bed frame, the headboard, the gaps behind the skirting and the edges of nearby furniture. Adults are about the size of an apple pip, and the young are smaller and paler. If you are unsure, take a clear photograph and show it to us. We will confirm what you have before recommending any treatment. It is far better to leave things where they are until we have looked.
What a bed bug removal visit involves
Our technician starts by inspecting the room and the rooms around it, so we know how far the problem has spread. We then treat the bed frame, mattress seams, skirting boards, cracks and nearby furniture where the insects hide. The treatment is targeted, and we explain what we are doing and how long you should keep out of the room. We also show you what we find, so you can see where the insects were hiding.
The price is agreed with you before any work begins, so there are no surprises. A follow-up visit is normally needed, because eggs can hatch after the first treatment. We check that the problem has cleared and answer any questions. Treating the right spots properly matters far more than treating everywhere. Please keep any questions for the technician, who will happily go through the plan with you.
Preparing your room and stopping them coming back
Good preparation helps the treatment work. Strip the bed and put bedding and clothing into sealed bags until they can be washed on a hot cycle. Clear the floor around the bed and the space under it, and tidy anything stored there. Please do not move items to other rooms, because bed bugs can travel with them and spread the problem. Keep the bags sealed until laundry is done, then dry on a hot setting.
To lower the risk of a repeat, check luggage after trips and inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it indoors. Keep beds slightly away from walls where you can, and vacuum seams and edges regularly. If you let rooms to guests, a quick look at the bed after each stay catches trouble early. Doing this each time also makes any later inspection much simpler for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to throw away my mattress?
Usually not. Most mattresses can be treated along the seams and frame, and a protective cover afterwards helps keep the problem contained. We will look at the condition of the bed during the visit and tell you plainly if anything is beyond saving. We never push you towards replacing things you do not need to. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.
How many visits will I need?
Most homes need an initial treatment and a follow-up visit, because eggs can hatch after the first one. Larger infestations or shared buildings may need more. We explain the plan at the start, agree the price before work begins and check progress at each visit. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.
Can I stay in the house during treatment?
Normally yes, but you will need to stay out of the treated rooms for a short period, which our technician will explain on the day. Pets, children and anyone with health concerns should be kept away until we say it is fine to return. We give clear instructions before we leave. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.
Do you treat holiday lets and rented homes?
Yes. We work with homeowners, landlords, letting agents and holiday let owners across Devon. Quick action matters in a property with guests coming and going, so tell us about your bookings when you call and we will plan the visit around them. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.