Bed bug control and treatment

With more people travelling, summer temperatures rising and hotels operating at high occupancy levels, there has been an increase in bed bug outbreaks. A growing concern in student accommodation, hospitals, care homes and residential apartments, bed bugs can cause both psychological and physical discomfort through itchy bites, disturbed sleep and anxiety.

In recent years, searches for ‘bed bugs’ have increased by over 300%, and many people still feel unsure about how to deal with a bed bug infestation. Rentokil’s highly trained technicians use advanced bed bug detection methods and targeted treatments to manage infestations effectively and discreetly, helping reduce disruption to guests, reputation and business operations.

For more than 50 years, Rentokil has provided professional bed bug control and treatment services designed to manage bed bug activity in commercial and residential properties.

Safe and effective bed bug treatments: How to get rid of bed bugs

Bed bug identification and education

Rentokil helps equip your employees with the knowledge they need to identify bed bugs, signs of a bed bug infestation and best practices for managing suspected bed bug issues. By adopting a clear, pre emptive control strategy in the event of bed bug activity, your business significantly reduces the risk of deep infestations, which in turn significantly reduces the financial fallout from customer grievances. 

Bed bug insecticidal treatment

Professional bed bug insecticidal treatments are an effective way of managing bed bug infestations. Various insecticides such as fast acting contact insecticides, residual insecticides and dust insecticides are used for effective treatment of the infested area. A thorough insecticide treatment should involve 2 3 repeat visits to address cycle development. In commercial properties, treatment may be applied in the central location, and adjoining areas to combat bed bug movement. 

At Rentokil, we strongly recommend against carrying out DIY treatments of bed bugs as it is a challenging and time consuming process which requires expertise and the use of licensed chemical insecticides. Inappropriate pesticide products or the inappropriate use of pesticides can make you or your family very sick or make matters worse if left poorly treated.

Common bed bug habitats and control tips

Bed bugs are elusive pests that thrive in areas close to their human hosts. They are commonly found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards, as these locations provide easy access to their primary food source: human blood. However, their habitats extend beyond beds. Bed bugs can also hide in furniture seams, carpet edges, electrical outlets, and even behind wallpaper. Their small, flat bodies enable them to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect.

Understanding where bed bugs live is essential for effective bed bug control. These pests are most active at night, emerging from their hiding spots to feed. During the day, they seek shelter in dark, hidden areas. Infestations can quickly spread as bed bugs hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and furniture. Recognising signs of their presence, such as small blood stains on sheets, dark fecal spots, and shed skin, is crucial for prompt action.

Effective bed bug treatment starts with a thorough inspection to identify their habitats. Professional pest control services, like those offered by Rentokil, use specialised methods to locate and remove bed bugs in their hiding places. By targeting their habitats directly, these treatments ensure a long lasting solution to infestations.

Potential risks and dangers of bed bugs

While bed bugs aren't known to transmit diseases, a bed bug infestation carries significant health and wellbeing risks. The most common concerns include allergic reactions to bites, ranging from mild irritation to severe inflammation, which may lead to secondary infections if scratched excessively. Beyond physical symptoms, these persistent pests often trigger psychological distress, with many people experiencing anxiety, insomnia, and stress when dealing with bed bugs in their mattress or bed frame.

The financial impact of bed bug treatment can be substantial, typically requiring professional pest control services for effective treatments, especially in severe cases. Home remedies and non chemical treatments like diatomaceous earth might help with minor infestations, but effective control usually demands specialised expertise. These resilient pests hide in crevices throughout living spaces, making proper treatment challenging as they can quickly spread from localised areas to property wide infestations. For landlords or accommodation providers, Cimex lectularius (commonly known as Bed Bugs) issues can damage reputation and lead to significant financial and legal complications if not addressed promptly.

Proven methods for bed bug management

Managing a bed bug infestation is significantly easier than implementing bed bug treatment after these pests have established themselves in your home. Start by being vigilant when travelling, inspect hotel mattresses, bed frames and furniture for signs of bed bugs before settling in, and keep luggage off the floor. When returning home, wash and dry all clothing on high heat settings, as bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 50°C. Regularly inspect your sleeping areas, paying close attention to mattress seams, headboards and nearby crevices where Cimex lectularius commonly hide.

Consider using mattress and pillow encasements designed to limit bed bug movement. Be cautious when bringing secondhand furniture into your home; thoroughly inspect all items before bringing them indoors. Some homeowners use non chemical treatments like diatomaceous earth around potential entry points as part of ongoing pest management. If you live in multi unit housing, seal cracks in walls and around baseboards to reduce pest movement between areas. Should you notice signs of bed bugs despite these measures, contact a professional pest control company promptly, early action is important for effective bed bug control and limiting the spread of these persistent pests.

Rentokil your local bed bug control experts

All Rentokil technicians are highly qualified and trained to industry standards. Voted AEPMA (Australian Environmental Pest Management Association) Pest Manager of the Year 2020, our local teams offer a wide range of global innovations and bed bug control solutions for the most effective outcome.

How much does bed bug treatment cost?

Your bed bug control costs will ultimately reflect the time and effort it will take to control them from your home or business. The first step in determining the cost of bed bug control is fully understanding the problem. Have bed bugs travelled into other rooms? Have they been spotted in chairs and lounges? Are people being bitten? 

To answer all the above questions, Rentokil will need to visit your property to inspect for bed bugs. Following this, the below factors will determine the most suitable bed bug treatment and its associated costs.

FAQs