Bedbug Control Guide

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23/07/25, 16:42

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Carry out visual and (optionally) K-9 inspection; map infestation and advise on prep (bagging linen, decluttering).
Fit door sweeps and dust sheets to contain insects; isolate electrical items ready for treatment.
Apply chosen method:
- Chemical/steam combo – residual insecticide to seams, skirting & sockets, plus super-heated steam on mattresses.
- Heat treatment – raise each room to ≥ 56 °C using industrial heaters and remote sensors for 60–90 min.
Re-treat or spot-spray 10–14 days later if eggs hatch (included in many packages).
Install intercept traps or climb-up monitors and issue after-care guidance.
Provide written treatment report, COSHH sheets and warranty (typically 6–12 months).

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call-out / minimum	60	120	Inspection & first 30–60 min Checkatrade
Labour per hour	45	80	Specialist pest-controller rate Checkatrade
Materials / equipment	150	800	Insecticides £150–£350; single-room heat kit ~£600 merlinenvironmental.co.ukbedbughunters.co.uk
Disposal (infested items)	20	100	Mattress / soft-furnishing removal
Extras (K-9 search, multiple rooms, follow-ups)	0	400	Heavy infestations or 2nd visit
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	250	950	Typical 1–2-room domestic treatment

Chemical / steam visit: 1 – 2 h per room, plus a 30-min follow-up 10–14 days later.
Heat treatment: 3 – 6 h for set-up, heat-soak and cool-down (whole-day booking).Longer if furniture must be dismantled, electrical sockets removed, or property access is limited.

Which treatment do you recommend for my level of infestation—chemical, heat or combined—and why?
How many visits are included and what is your re-treatment policy if bugs reappear?
Are your technicians BPCA- or RSPH-qualified and fully insured?
What preparation must I complete beforehand (laundry temps, pet removal, smoke alarms off)?
Will you supply written COSHH data sheets and a treatment certificate for landlords/tenants?
Are mattress encasements, traps or K-9 inspections extra or included?
What is the warranty period and does it cover adjacent flats in a block?

Access & Parking: Reserve a close bay; heat rigs and generators are bulky.
Room Prep: Bag all clothing/linen, clear clutter under beds; empty vacuum afterwards.
Fire Alarms & Sprinklers: Advise if sensors need temporary covers during heat.
Electrics: Check there’s a 32 A socket or agree on generator hire for heat gear.
Neighbours: Inform adjoining flats; bedbugs migrate when disturbed.
Pets & Plants: Remove reptiles, fish and house-plants—heat and chemicals can harm them.