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 →A small property needs a gentle, tidy approach, and that is exactly how we work. We explain what we are doing and leave the room in good order. We never rush a job in a small property, and we are happy to talk through any worries before we start, so you know what to expect at each stage.
Why older cottages need extra care
Many village homes have thick walls, uneven floors, exposed beams and old fitted furniture. Bed bugs love that kind of detail, because every crack and joint is a possible hiding place. We take our time with beams near the bed, gaps behind skirting, the underside of the frame and any wooden furniture within reach of the sleeper. A bright torch and a patient eye matter more than anything else here.
In a Shaldon cottage, rooms are often small, so a bed may sit close to the wall with a chest of drawers beside it. That means bugs can move from bed to furniture quickly. We inspect and treat the whole sleeping area, not just the mattress, and we will tell you plainly if more rooms need attention. That thoroughness keeps the later visit short.
Holiday lets and shared rooms
If you let out a cottage or room, one affected bed can mean a cancelled booking and a worried guest. Acting quickly is kinder to everyone. Strip the bed, bag the linen without shaking it, and keep the room closed until we arrive. Tell us the next arrival date and we will plan the treatment and the return visit around it. A prompt response keeps the disruption small.
Between guests, a quick look along the mattress seams and behind the headboard takes only a minute or two. Using washable mattress protectors makes it easier to spot spots and shed skins. Shaldon visitors often bring cases that have been in several places, so keeping luggage off beds and on a rack or hard floor helps. A rack or hard floor is much safer than the bed.
Preparation and the follow-up visit
Before we visit, wash bedding hot, dry it on high heat and clear the floor and drawers near the bed. Please do not use shop sprays first. About two weeks after treatment we return to check for survivors and treat any late hatchers. We also cover Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Maidencombe, and Shaldon sits in the TQ14 postcode area, so we are never far away.
Frequently asked questions
Can bed bugs live in a thatched or stone cottage in Shaldon?
Yes. They are not tied to the building type, only to somewhere to hide close to people sleeping. Older cottages with beams and gaps can offer more hiding places, which makes a thorough inspection more important, but it does not mean the property is at fault.
I let a room in Shaldon. Do I have to tell guests?
That is a matter for you, but prompt action and honest communication usually go down better than silence. Taking a room out of use while it is treated and checked shows care. We can explain what we did, in plain terms, if you need to pass it on.
How long does a treatment visit take?
For a single bedroom it is usually a reasonably short visit, though it depends on how much furniture there is and how widespread the bugs are. We will give you a clear idea of timing when we have inspected, and tell you how long to keep out.