Top Tips for Dealing with Bed Bugs in Bristol & Bath

Bed bug infestations across the South West rose by nearly 70% in 2024. Bristol and Bath are particularly affected due to tourism, student accommodation, and dense housing. Here's what to look for and what to do.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small (4–6mm), reddish-brown, and wingless. They don't live in mattresses — they hide in bed frames, headboards, skirting boards, and furniture joints. Signs of infestation include:

• Small itchy bites in a line on exposed skin
• Dark fecal spots on bedding or furniture
• Pale shed skins in crevices
• A sweet, musty odour in heavy infestations

Why Infestations Are Rising

• Increased travel — bugs hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and second-hand furniture
• Milder winters allowing year-round survival
• Widespread insecticide resistance in modern bed bug populations

Why DIY Doesn't Work

Store-bought sprays don't penetrate hiding spots, don't kill eggs, and resistance means many products simply don't work. Disturbing bugs without killing them can scatter them to new areas, worsening the problem.

Professional Treatment Options

Heat treatment — the most effective option. We raise room temperature to 49–60°C using electric heaters, killing bugs and eggs at all life stages without chemicals. No cold spots, no re-entry waiting period.

Insecticide treatment (3-part) — Initial knockdown, second visit targeting newly hatched eggs, final confirmation visit.

Prevention

• Inspect second-hand furniture and luggage after travel
• Use mattress encasements
• Reduce clutter where bugs can hide
• Seal gaps around skirting boards and headboards

Spotted signs of bed bugs? Call us immediately on 0117 444 9821 — same-day callout available.