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 →If a guest has complained, or you have woken with bites at home, please do not strip and move everything in a panic. Call us first and we will explain what to do, what to leave alone and how the treatment will run.
Treating a holiday let between guests
Dartmouth has many holiday lets and older cottages, and a bed bug problem there needs calm handling. We inspect each sleeping area, because bugs left in one bed can reach the next. The treatment covers frames, mattress edges, headboards, bedside furniture and the gaps around skirting boards.
We keep the conversation practical: which rooms need work, what bedding has to be washed, and how long a room should stay out of use. We do not tell owners what to do about bookings, but we will say plainly when a room is not ready to be slept in again.
Steep streets, old walls and small rooms
Older Dartmouth cottages often have thick walls, uneven floors, exposed beams and small bedrooms packed with furniture. These give bed bugs plenty of cracks to shelter in, so the job takes patience. We work along every edge and seam, and we may ask to move wardrobes or beds away from the wall.
Narrow lanes and steep access are no problem for us, though it helps to tell us about parking or stairs when you book. Bag all bedding and clothing near the bed, wash it hot and keep it sealed until we have finished the room.
The check visit
Eggs and the odd hidden bug can survive a first visit, which is why we come back to check and, if needed, treat again. We would rather say that honestly than promise a one-visit fix. Beyond Dartmouth and TQ6, we also cover Totnes and Salcombe, and we answer questions about preparation by phone beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Can a holiday let get bed bugs even if it is cleaned every changeover?
Yes. Cleaning does not stop bugs arriving in luggage, and they hide in frames and seams that routine cleaning does not reach. It is not a sign of poor housekeeping, and it can be treated.
How long should a room stay empty after treatment in Dartmouth?
We will tell you after the visit, as it depends on the room and the treatment used. Do not put new guests in until we say the room is ready, and keep the bed made with freshly washed linen.
Do I need to tell my guests what happened?
That is your decision, and we cannot advise on bookings. What we can do is give you a clear account of what we found and treated, which is useful if a guest or letting agent asks.