SW Pest Management

Bed bug advice

How to spot the signs of bed bugs, check a holiday let, and stop an infestation spreading. Bed bugs are small, secretive and expert at hiding. They hitch rides in luggage, second-hand furniture and clothing, which is why holiday lets and guest accommodation are particularly at risk. The good news is that the signs are learnable, and catching the problem early makes it far easier to deal with. Written by Jack from SW Pest Management, covering Bude, Launceston, Holsworthy and the surrounding area. Think you have bed bugs? Call 07552372561 or request a quote.

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Bed bugs in holiday lets: how to check before guests arrive

Signs to look for

Small rust-coloured spots on sheets and mattress seams
Live insects around the bed, mattress or furniture
Tiny pale eggs or shed skins in seams and crevices
Itchy bites, often in lines or clusters, on exposed skin
A sweet, musty smell in a heavily infested room

How to check

Check the mattress seams, headboard, bed frame and nearby furniture with a torch. Look for live insects, spots, eggs and shed skins. In holiday lets, check between bookings, especially after guests have stayed with children or in rooms where the bed has been moved.

What to do if you find them

Do not treat with shop-bought sprays, they rarely reach the hiding places. Do not move bedding or furniture between rooms, that spreads the infestation. Call a professional for inspection and treatment.

Professional bed bug control involves a detailed inspection, treatment that breaks the life cycle, and follow-up where needed. See bed bug control for the full service.

Common questions

What are the first signs of bed bugs?＋

Small rust-coloured spots on sheets and mattress seams, live insects around the bed, pale eggs or shed skins in crevices, and itchy bites in lines or clusters.

How do bed bugs get into a property?＋

They hitch rides in luggage, clothing, second-hand furniture and other belongings. That is why hotels, holiday lets and guest accommodation are particularly at risk.

Can bed bugs be prevented?＋

Regular checks between guests, careful inspection of second-hand furniture and swift action on early signs all help prevent an infestation from becoming established.

Do you provide bed bug inspections for holiday lets?＋

Yes. We provide detailed bed bug inspections and treatment for holiday lets, Airbnb properties and guest accommodation across the area. See [bed bug control](/bed-bug-control/).

Got a pest problem?

Call 07552 372561 for honest advice on what you are dealing with, or request a quote and we will come back to you the same day.

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