Bed Bugs in Ashford: How to Spot, Treat and Prevent an Infestation
Have you been waking up with itchy red bites or noticing small black spots on your sheets? If you're in Ashford or surrounding Kent villages, it could be a sign of bed bugs — a rising problem in both homes and short-term rentals.
In this guide, Pest-Mate Pest Control explains how to detect bed bugs, the best treatment options available locally, and tips for preventing re-infestation.
What Are Bed Bugs and How Do They Spread?
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown parasitic insects that feed on human blood at night. They can spread quickly through:
- Luggage (after staying in hotels or hostels)
- Second-hand furniture or mattresses
- Visitors or tenants in shared housing or flats
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
- Small, red itchy bites (often in a line or cluster)
- Blood stains on sheets or pillowcases
- Tiny black specks (bed bug feces) on mattresses or bed frames
- A musty, sweet odour in heavily infested rooms
- Sightings of live bugs (adults are 5–7mm and flat)
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Ashford
- Heat treatment (kills all life stages instantly)
- Residual insecticide spray
- Mattress encasement + steam treatments
- Multiple visits may be required depending on the infestation level
👉 Pest-Mate offers discreet, same-day bed bug inspections in Ashford and surrounding areas.
- Over-the-counter sprays may not reach eggs
- Bed bugs can hide in cracks, sockets, headboards, and even electronics
- Delays in treatment can worsen the infestation
Can You Prevent Bed Bugs?
While not 100% preventable, you can reduce the risk by:
- Checking hotel mattresses and headboards when travelling
- Washing clothes on high heat after trips
- Avoiding second-hand mattresses or furniture
- Using bed bug-proof mattress encasements
- Keeping clutter low in sleeping areas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓Are bed bugs dangerous?
They don’t carry diseases but can cause itching, allergic reactions, stress, and insomnia.
❓Can bed bugs live in carpets or wardrobes?
Yes. They can hide in skirting boards, carpets, wardrobes, picture frames, and more.
❓Do bed bugs only live in dirty homes?
No. Bed bugs are attracted to human blood, not dirt. Clean homes can still get infested.
❓How fast do bed bugs multiply?
A single female can lay 200–500 eggs in her lifetime. Infestations can grow rapidly without treatment.
Bed Bug Treatment in Ashford – Book Pest-Mate Today
If you're seeing signs of bed bugs, don’t wait. Fast action is key to preventing a wider infestation.
- ✅ Local & discreet bed bug removal
- 📍 Serving Ashford, Kingsnorth, Willesborough, Kennington, and nearby villages