Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• inspect mattress seams, bed bases, sofas, curtains and cracks for live bugs, eggs and faecal spotting

• recommend treatment options (spot chemical treatment, steam or whole‑room heat) and explain pros and cons

• apply agreed treatment to affected areas and surrounding harbourages using PPE and contamination controls

• provide mattress encasements, traps and monitoring devices where recommended

• advise on laundering, bagging and isolation of items and carry out agreed disposal of contaminated bulky waste

• arrange follow‑up visits and monitoring to check for re‑infestation and treat where necessary

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Initial inspection usually 30–60 minutes. Spot chemical or steam treatments typically take 1–4 hours per room depending on severity. Whole‑property heat treatments can require 6–12 hours on site and cooling/ventilation time. Follow‑up visits for monitoring and any retreatment are normally 1–2 hours and are often scheduled 7–14 days after the first visit.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• can you show evidence of infestation and explain why you recommend this treatment

• what chemicals or heat/steam methods will you use and are they safe for children, pregnant people and pets

• do you provide a written guarantee and what does it cover (number of visits, timescale, retreatment)

• how many visits are likely and when should I expect follow‑up monitoring

• what preparation do you need me to do (laundering, de‑cluttering, moving furniture) and who is responsible for disposals

• are you insured and do you have references for similar jobs in flats or houses

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear clutter and move bedding and soft toys away from skirting and furniture to expose harbourages

• launder bedding and clothing where possible and leave in sealed bags for technicians if requested

• ensure clear access to rooms, provide a nearby parking space and access to mains power if using steam or heat equipment

• secure or remove pets and inform neighbours or the building manager for flat treatments

• check whether heat treatment is permitted in your building and whether any fire alarms or electrical items need isolating

• expect technicians to use PPE and handle contaminated items in sealed bags to reduce cross‑contamination