What to Expect on the Day of a Bedbug Control

Knowing what will happen on the day makes a bed bug treatment far less stressful. Most people worry about the disruption, the safety of the products and whether they have to leave home.

Exact details vary with the property and the method chosen, but the general pattern is similar. Here is how a visit typically goes.

Before the technician arrives

You will normally be given preparation instructions beforehand. The purpose is to give the technician clear access to the places bed bugs hide, so the more you do, the better the treatment can work. If you cannot manage the lifting or washing yourself, say so in advance, because it is better to explain than to leave it half done.

Strip the beds and bag all bedding. Empty bedside tables and clear the floor around beds and furniture. Wash fabrics hot if their labels allow, and keep them sealed afterwards.

• Clear access to beds, sofas, skirting and wardrobes
• Bag clean linen and clothes ready for hot washing
• Move pets, fish tanks and birds as advised
• Tell the technician about children, pregnancy, allergies or breathing problems

The inspection on arrival

The technician will usually begin by checking the rooms to confirm where bed bugs are present and how far the problem has spread. This shapes what is treated and how.

It is worth mentioning anything you have noticed, such as where you have found bugs or been bitten. Rooms next to the affected one, and shared walls in flats, may also be checked. In a flat or terraced house, mention it if you share a wall with neighbours who may have noticed bugs too, as that can affect the plan.

The treatment itself

Depending on the plan, the technician will apply a chemical treatment, use heat equipment, or combine methods. Chemical work involves careful application to hiding places such as bed frames, skirting and furniture joints. Heat work involves bringing equipment into the room and monitoring temperatures.

Treatment time depends on how many rooms are involved and how cluttered they are. You will be told whether you need to leave the property or stay out of the treated rooms while the work is done, and for how long. Windows may need to be opened or closed depending on the method, so follow the instruction you are given on the day rather than guessing.

Safety for children, pets and food

Follow the technician's instructions carefully. Children and pets should be kept out of treated rooms until you are told it is safe, and food and food preparation surfaces must not be contaminated. Cover or put away open food before the visit.

If anyone in your household has asthma or other health concerns, say so in advance. For any symptoms afterwards, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.

After the visit

Do not wash or wipe away treated areas unless you are told it is fine to do so. Keep clutter low and avoid moving items between rooms. You may still see a few bugs for a short while, which is expected, but report anything that seems unusual.

Many bed bug jobs include a follow-up visit to check progress and deal with any survivors or newly hatched bugs. Whether one is needed depends on what the inspection finds. Essex Pest Solutions can explain the plan for your property before the work starts.

Frequently asked questions