We offer a professional inspection of your premises. Please call us now on
0203 393 2338
Bed Bug Process & Information
Bed Bugs are a very common problem surprisingly, completely by accident they can be picked up but don’t worry, they are very easy to deal with. It just requires all the right things being done and it will soon be a distant memory. Keep scrolling to learn more about the issue and contact us.
Contact us to talk further
The 4 steps to dealing with Bed Bugs
Below are the steps in more detail
Identify
First you need to identify what the pest is which is bothering you, be it bed bugs or fleas or mites etc.
Book a treatment
Time is of the essence, more eggs can be laid everyday so call us now
Prepare for it
There are a number of things to do to get ready for a treatment, click below to learn more
After the treatment
There are some do’s and don’ts for after to follow, click below to learn more
Identify
The aim of this section is to help you to identify what you have to make sure which type of ant it is
To the left is a video from National Geographic which will give you more information
This is a video from National Geographic which will give you more information and allow you to see what the bugs look like. Click on the image start the video.
Bugs and Bites
Below is a number of images of what the bugs and bites look like. Click on the titles below to make the sections move and show you the images and learn more.
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Identify the Bugs you haveIf you recognise the bugs in the images as what you have then don’t waste time, call us now. If not have a look in the fleas or mites section or contact us. If you are still not sure what is going on just call us to arrange a free inspection. |
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Bed Bugs at all stagesThis image shows a bed bug egg, then each stages of development from hatchling to adult (note they have to feed between each stage). |
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3 Bed Bugs on a MattressThis image for scale shows the adult bugs on on the seem of a mattress. |
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Bed Bugs from young to adultThis is a good example of where you might find the bugs on your mattress seams as it has hands for scale |
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Wooden Bed SlatsVery often when we work on wooden bed frames they have chosen to set up shop on the wooden slats. Here is a great example of how on first inspection you might think it’s clear but on further investgation you find where a lot can be hiding. |
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Example of bed bug bitesNotice how the bites are clustered almost in patterns. As they might not get a good flow the pull out and try again close by. This is why bites can be in clusters or lines. If you see this arrangement you do have bed bugs. |
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Example of bed bug eggsThis is a great example of bed bug eggs having the finger there for scale. As you can see they are very tiny so sometimes depending on if they are amongst bugs, blood or just into cracks they might be difficult to see. |
Identify the Bugs you have
If you recognise the bugs in the images as what you have then don’t waste time, call us now. If not have a look in the fleas or mites section or contact us.
If you are still not sure what is going on just call us to arrange a free inspection.
Bed Bugs at all stages
This image shows a bed bug egg, then each stages of development from hatchling to adult (note they have to feed between each stage).
3 Bed Bugs on a Mattress
This image for scale shows the adult bugs on on the seem of a mattress.
Bed Bugs from young to adult
This is a good example of where you might find the bugs on your mattress seams as it has hands for scale
Wooden Bed Slats
Very often when we work on wooden bed frames they have chosen to set up shop on the wooden slats. Here is a great example of how on first inspection you might think it’s clear but on further investgation you find where a lot can be hiding.
Example of bed bug bites
Notice how the bites are clustered almost in patterns. As they might not get a good flow the pull out and try again close by. This is why bites can be in clusters or lines. If you see this arrangement you do have bed bugs.
Example of bed bug eggs
This is a great example of bed bug eggs having the finger there for scale. As you can see they are very tiny so sometimes depending on if they are amongst bugs, blood or just into cracks they might be difficult to see.
Where can I find them?
Below is a number of images with examples of hiding places. Click on the titles below to make the sections move to learn more. Click on the pictures to view them larger, click off them to go back.
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Where could they be hiding?The section of photos should help give you an idea of the places to be looking for them. |
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Variety of areasYou are looking for blood stains on sheets, droppings and eggs and also bugs themselves on: Beds, mattresses, furniture, curtains, skirting boards, picture frames and around door frames. As well as back and underneath of sofas. |
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Areas in rooms they can hideBed Bugs can commonly go to – Bed frames (very common), mattresses, headboards (very common), bedroom furniture (very common), skirting boards (very common), light switches and power sockets. |
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MattressCheck around the edges and seams of the mattress with a torch (on your phone is handy), especially around zips and tough seams. |
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Recessed Screw HolesMost wooden bed frames have recessed screw holes in the frame and head board. Here is a fantastic example of how on first inspection you might think that it is clear, but after looking more closely you can see many bugs hiding in these difficult to find areas. |
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Picture Frames and Canvas PrintsBed Bugs can quite commonly head to photo frames and canvas prints when they are on the walls. Take them off to inspect very carefully to not allow them to fall off onto the floor or worse, your clothing. |
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Skirting BoardsThis is an example of where bed bugs can hide when you pull the bed forward. Note that most appointments we attend bed bugs managed to get behind the skirting board and out of reach. |
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Bed Bugs Can Live And Transfer To Other People On SofasAs people will tend to hang out together on sofas and doze off it is very common for Bed Bugs to live in, behind or on the underneath of sofas. As their instinct is to transfer from person to person to spread it is an ideal area to do this. This picture is of the underneath frame of a sofa where they have laid a nest. |
Where could they be hiding?
The section of photos should help give you an idea of the places to be looking for them.
Variety of areas
You are looking for blood stains on sheets, droppings and eggs and also bugs themselves on: Beds, mattresses, furniture, curtains, skirting boards, picture frames and around door frames. As well as back and underneath of sofas.
Areas in rooms they can hide
Bed Bugs can commonly go to – Bed frames (very common), mattresses, headboards (very common), bedroom furniture (very common), skirting boards (very common), light switches and power sockets.
Mattress
Check around the edges and seams of the mattress with a torch (on your phone is handy), especially around zips and tough seams.
Recessed Screw Holes
Most wooden bed frames have recessed screw holes in the frame and head board. Here is a fantastic example of how on first inspection you might think that it is clear, but after looking more closely you can see many bugs hiding in these difficult to find areas.
Picture Frames and Canvas Prints
Bed Bugs can quite commonly head to photo frames and canvas prints when they are on the walls. Take them off to inspect very carefully to not allow them to fall off onto the floor or worse, your clothing.
Skirting Boards
This is an example of where bed bugs can hide when you pull the bed forward. Note that most appointments we attend bed bugs managed to get behind the skirting board and out of reach.
Bed Bugs Can Live And Transfer To Other People On Sofas
As people will tend to hang out together on sofas and doze off it is very common for Bed Bugs to live in, behind or on the underneath of sofas. As their instinct is to transfer from person to person to spread it is an ideal area to do this.
This picture is of the underneath frame of a sofa where they have laid a nest.
Book a Treatment
If you have identified that you have them then don’t delay, call us now or have us call you. The longer you wait the more eggs can be laid and the longer you have to endure getting bitten.
Prepare for a treatment
Ok so you have booked a treatment, what do you need to do to prepare for you and to help us?
Strip the bed sheets
Ok so you start the process with stripping the bed sheets. It is very important to wash bed sheets at 60 degrees as this kills all bugs and eggs.
Wash Bed Sheets
You don’t need to empty wardrobes or chest of drawers but wash bed sheets, clothing which has been in, under or near the bed. We can advise further on anything else.
Clear out under bed areas completely
We need clear access to the under bed areas & invariably we will need to turn it on its side or put it on its end. If you leave items under the bed you are giving them hiding places.
Vacccum the area
Vaccuming under the bed, against the skirting board, the mattress and the slats of the bed or frame depending on what type of bed will help. Wash the dust bucket afterward.
Pets out for 2 hours
As all insecticide treatments are not recommended to have people or pets inside during, plan to take your cat or take you dog for a walk whilst it is in process. It’s completely safe once they re-enter.
Be ready to vacate
As all insecticides require a P3 grade respirator during application, you will need to vacate the property, you can re-enter the house 1 hour the treatment is completed, so factor in being out for around 2 hours in total.
Our 5 Element Treatment Process
Most companies use just one, our treatment process consists of 5 steps – inspecting, heat, long life insecticide, breeding & egg development control and dehydration.
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First step is lookingWe are one of the few companies to actually take the time to search all of the relevant places to find nesting sites and destroy them first. |
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SteamingWe high pressure steam all affected areas. The heat comes out at 180 degrees so neither bugs or eggs survive. This ensures that the majority of the issue is removed at this point. |
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We use the best Long Life Insecticide insecticide for Bed Bugs on the marketThe difference between shop bought products and professional products is mostly the residual effect (long life). Ours lasts for 2 months with maxium effort for around 2 weeks. We would expect a refresh after 2 weeks. The ability for Bed Bugs to develop a resistance is the lowest with our product and the most effective at killing them. |
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We use insect growth regulators or (IGR’s)We are big on using science and technology as anything clever to help our customers get rid of pests quicker and keep them gone has to be a good thing. IGR’s remove the ability for them to grow and mature normally and stop their ability to breed or some eggs not even able to hatch. Our product lasts for up to 5 months to help keep it gone afterward! |
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Gel which removes the waxy coating and causes rapid dehydration & deathWe use a special advanced non-toxic safe gel/powder which removes the waxy protective coating on the outside of the bug to cause rapid dehyration and death. The amazing two things about this product are that they are safe/chemical free and lasts when undisturbed for 10 years! |
First step is looking
We are one of the few companies to actually take the time to search all of the relevant places to find nesting sites and destroy them first.
Steaming
We high pressure steam all affected areas. The heat comes out at 180 degrees so neither bugs or eggs survive. This ensures that the majority of the issue is removed at this point.
We use the best Long Life Insecticide insecticide for Bed Bugs on the market
The difference between shop bought products and professional products is mostly the residual effect (long life).
Ours lasts for 2 months with maxium effort for around 2 weeks. We would expect a refresh after 2 weeks.
The ability for Bed Bugs to develop a resistance is the lowest with our product and the most effective at killing them.
We use insect growth regulators or (IGR’s)
We are big on using science and technology as anything clever to help our customers get rid of pests quicker and keep them gone has to be a good thing.
IGR’s remove the ability for them to grow and mature normally and stop their ability to breed or some eggs not even able to hatch.
Our product lasts for up to 5 months to help keep it gone afterward!
Gel which removes the waxy coating and causes rapid dehydration & death
We use a special advanced non-toxic safe gel/powder which removes the waxy protective coating on the outside of the bug to cause rapid dehyration and death.
The amazing two things about this product are that they are safe/chemical free and lasts when undisturbed for 10 years!
After Treatment
A list of do’s and don’ts for after your treatment.
Airing-Do
Open windows & doors if you feel it is needed.
Washing-Do
Wash clothing and sheets once a week at 60 degrees.
Under Beds
Keep these areas clear and empty during the process.
Sleep in Bed
Sleeping in the beds after is essential, bugs will not go if not
Don't enter
As insecticides need to settle do not enter until 1 hour after treatment.
Don't Vacuum
It is important to not disturb the insecticide once down for 3 weeks, so hold off vacuuming.
Don't Mop
It is important that the insecticide once down is not disturbed, don't mop for 3 weeks.
Don't Leave
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving the rooms empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions with answers to hopefully answer most of the things you want to know.
Yes, our treatments are safe. All bait is put into areas where you cannot access it and there is only risk if you consume it. If you choose a proofing appointment then you can request that no poison bait is used.
Rodents will live under properties in burrows in the soil as their behaviour tells them to do. They come in for food and nesting material (shredded paper or plastic bags) to line nests with but then leave to go back to safety. Our homes with us and pets are fraught with danger for them so they sneak in and out at night.
Usualy not no, most mice in houses are the house mouse rather than the field mouse. These live in and travel between buildings, so they are already in the walls and under the floors etc. They use the holes around pipes etc to get into your living areas.
Rodents are active during the evening, through the night and in the early morning. Due to this we do our rodent appointments (especially proofing programmes) typically during the hours of around 9-5 as we don’t want to risk trapping them in, only out.
Yes with the proofing programme we have a guarantee which is for 3 months. If there is to be a sighting you’ll know in roughly 7 days but 3 months is for peace of mind
Yes, especially worktops where food is prepared. As mice do not have waste control, it just falls out of them where ever they go, there is disease risk where ever they have been (which usually includes up on the worktops where you prepare food). Use antibacterial products for counter tops and floors etc.
Sometimes this is possible yes, call us to find out what the earliest available appointment is.
We use unmarked vehicles thereby not highlighting the reason for our visit. If anyone asks us we can say we are doing a little building work and not disclose anything.
Yes our service is insured for up to £10 Million of cover.
Yes we are RSPH Level 2 certified which is the highest level in pest management so you know you are in good hands.
Let's get in touch
Get us to call you back to talk more or book an appointment
We offer a professional inspection of your premises. Please call us now on
0203 393 2338