UK Landlord Forum / Life

Bed bugs are spread frequently due to widespread travel by people and a thriving second-hand / antique furniture market. They also easily travel between properties in densely populated areas, particularly in cities. Due to the persistent nature of bed bugs, very thorough treatment with bed bug killer products is essential to prevent the otherwise high risk of a repeat infestation in your home.

A four-stage treatment routine is recommended for getting rid of bed bugs and prevention of them returning:

1) Vacuum and clean the room where the bed bug infestation has been found, paying particular attention to cracks, crevices and along skirting boards where the prevention of bed bugs is particularly critical, using the fine nozzle on the vacuum cleaner, on carpets, behind pictures, behind radiators etc. - all likely sources of the bed bug infestation.
2) Use a 'fogger' or 'fumer' to release a pesticide smoke in to the room as a fast-acting 'knockdown' bed bug killer treatment – don't worry; there will not be a lasting smoke smell in your room. Foggers are a crucial step in getting rid of bed bugs and they penetrate all areas to ensure they reach all possible hiding places where bed bugs may be resident.
3) Use a non-staining pesticide spray to treat all surfaces to prevent bed bugs returning – this includes all hard and soft furnishings including your mattress. Alternatively, use a natural spray solution. Lightly spraying across all surfaces should be undertaken and remember to spray into all corners and under mattress seams / cords as well as treating the main surfaces.
4) To prevent bed bug infestation via possible entry points that require additional treatment will need application of a dusting powder – examples are around window edges, where radiator pipes meet floorboards etc. The residual effect of the dusting powder will deter bed bugs from returning, killing them on contact, and it is essential to cover either with spray or powder all possible entry points and furniture where they may hide to ensure full bed bug eradication.

It is possible that some bed bugs may move to another room in your home adjacent to the one being treated, so be vigilant! The process above should be repeated as soon as possible in all rooms known to be infested with bed bugs.