Plate 05
Insects
Common Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
Risk
Medium
Peak season · All year
Hides in mattress seams and bed frames. Travels in luggage and furniture.
Signs
- Small itchy bites in lines or clusters
- Tiny dark spots on mattress seams
- Shed skins and pale eggs in crevices of the bed frame
- Rust-coloured marks on sheets
Prevention
- Check hotel beds before unpacking
- Keep luggage off the floor when travelling
- Inspect second-hand furniture closely
- Wash travel clothes on a hot cycle when you get home
How we treat it
- Whole-room heat treatment to 50 °C
- No chemicals on bedding or mattresses
- An inspection two weeks later, and a second round if needed
Recommended treatment
Whole-room heat to 50 °C, no chemicals on bedding, follow-up visit included.
Seen something? Send us a photo.
Text a photo to (555) 014-2290 or attach it to the inspection form. We’ll tell you what it is, free, usually within the hour.