Bed Bugs: Prevention, Treatment and Removal
- christian5470
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Bed bugs are one of the most distressing pests to discover in your home. Despite their name, they are not confined to beds – these tiny, flat insects can hide in cracks, furniture, luggage, and clothing, coming out at night to feed on human blood.
At Stratton Pest Control, we know how unsettling an infestation can be. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how bed bugs spread, how to spot the signs, and what steps you can take for prevention and effective removal.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
While bedbugs can be linked to poor hygiene, they can, in fact, find their way into even the cleanest of homes. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, and they often arrive by accident.
They can be transmitted through:
Luggage and travel – Hotels, hostels, and even public transport can be sources. Bugs may hide in seams of suitcases or backpacks.
Second-hand furniture or clothing – Bed bugs can lurk in upholstery, mattresses, or wardrobes picked up from charity shops, auctions, or online marketplaces.
Visitors – Friends or family who unknowingly have bed bugs at home may bring them in on coats, bags, or shoes.
Shared spaces – Flats, student housing, or care homes are particularly vulnerable due to the close proximity of living spaces.
Once inside, bed bugs spread quickly, hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards, electrical sockets, or even behind wallpaper.
For more on how bed bugs spread and what they look like, see the NHS guide to bed bugs.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Catching an infestation early is crucial. Common signs include:
Small red bites on the skin, often in lines or clusters.
Tiny dark spots on sheets or mattresses – these may be droppings.
Blood spots on bedding caused by crushed bugs.
Shed skins or small, pale eggs in cracks and crevices.
An unpleasant, musty odour in severe infestations.
Bed Bugs Prevention Tips
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of bed bugs, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the chances:
Inspect luggage and clothing after travel, particularly if you’ve stayed in shared accommodation.
Avoid second-hand mattresses and sofas unless you are certain they’ve been professionally inspected, cleaned and treated.
Vacuum regularly, paying special attention to skirting boards, cracks, and under beds.
Use protective covers on mattresses and bed bases to make it harder for bugs to hide.
Be cautious with visitors – if someone mentions having a bed bug problem, it’s best to limit soft furnishings they come into contact with.
Beg Bugs Treatment and Removal
Unfortunately, once bed bugs are established, they are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional help. Home remedies, sprays, and powders rarely tackle the problem completely because the bugs hide so effectively and their eggs are resistant to many treatments.
At Stratton Pest Control, we use a combination of methods to ensure thorough eradication, including:
Professional insecticides applied to affected areas and hiding places.
Steam treatments, which are highly effective at destroying bugs and eggs in one go.
Follow-up inspections to ensure the infestation has been completely removed.
DIY attempts can sometimes make the problem worse by driving bed bugs deeper into hiding. For peace of mind and guaranteed results, professional pest control is the safest option.
Why Choose Stratton Pest Control?
If you think you may have bed bugs, don’t wait – infestations can escalate quickly. Contact us today for advice or to arrange an inspection.
As a trusted local company, we provide fast, discreet, and effective treatments in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, North London, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, or Suffolk. We understand how stressful a bed bug problem can be, and our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.
To book an inspection or to discuss your needs, please contact us on 01582 800302 or email us for more details.
