Bed bug treatment in Port Elizabeth
True Clean treats bed-bug infestations in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). I start by checking what's actually there, vacuum visible bed bugs and eggs, and treat the affected areas. We usually arrange a follow-up one to two weeks later.
Written by Diederik Visser
Operations, marketing and pest control at True Clean. Seven years in pest control.
First-hand information recorded .
How do I know whether it's bed bugs or fleas?
We get calls where people say, “I've got bed bugs.” You get there, and they've actually got a flea infestation. So I don't choose the treatment just from the description of the bites. We need to inspect and identify the pest first.
Clients often describe a lot of bites together on the body or legs, or blood spots on the bedding. Those are reasons to have a look, but they don't confirm bed bugs on their own. I look for the insects, eggs and the black spots they leave where they're hiding.
Sometimes the client has actually seen the insects. Other times the call is entirely about the marks they are waking up with or spots on the sheets. Tell us which it is and where it is happening. That helps me know where to start looking, without assuming every itchy bite has the same cause.
Where do you look for bed bugs?
The first place I look is on the mattress, especially the seams. Those are the stitched joins around it, including along the sides. I look closely at those hiding areas, then move to the headboard and the space behind it. The bedside cupboards are another of my top places to start.
They live close to their feeding ground, which is you as a person. So I start near where you sleep and work outwards according to what I find. Looking only at the top surface of the mattress would leave those other hiding places unchecked.
The inspection also tells us whether the problem is in one room or has spread further through the house. A problem concentrated around one bed and activity in several rooms need different amounts of work. Not seeing bites elsewhere doesn't prove that those rooms are clear.
What does the treatment involve?
I vacuum the visible bed bugs and eggs first. In a hiding area, you can find the insects, clusters of eggs and black waste marks. Vacuuming physically removes what I can see and reach before carrying on with treatment.
Then we work through the affected areas found during the inspection. That includes the bed, headboard and furniture, along with skirtings, cracks and other hiding places around the room. Findings can take the inspection into affected areas around walls, floors or cornices too.
Those are places to check for activity; they don't all automatically need the same pesticide application. The work and the surfaces it can be applied to have to follow the product instructions. We choose the treatment for the actual infestation and the permitted surfaces.
We sometimes use ULV fogging alongside the treatment. It isn't something we use on every job, and it doesn't replace finding and treating the hiding places. It is one part of the work where it is appropriate.
On some jobs, the problem is mainly in one room. If we find it has spread, we need to include the other affected areas in the plan. A quick spray over the bed wouldn't describe that full job.
How long does it take to get the problem under control?
In my experience, it's usually about two to three weeks in the better cases. A very heavy infestation can take longer. We usually arrange a follow-up one to two weeks after the first treatment, rather than judging everything from the first visit.
That isn't a promise that every house will be clear by a particular day. If you're still seeing bed bugs, tell us so we can check what's happening and whether further work is needed.
The follow-up gives us a chance to check what is still there after the first treatment and whether further areas need attention. A much better first few days is encouraging, but I still want to judge the progress across that treatment period. If the infestation was very heavy at the start, it can take more work than one of the better cases.
What should I do before you arrive?
The main thing I ask clients to do is remove the bedding and deal with the laundry. We'll explain what needs washing and heat drying. Follow the fabric care instructions so you don't ruin the bedding while trying to sort the bed bugs out.
Washing alone may not be enough. Suitable heat drying is an important part of dealing with bed bugs on washable items. Keep affected laundry contained when moving it, rather than carrying loose bedding through the house.
Bedding is the main preparation task I ask for. Have that dealt with as arranged so we can inspect and work on the bed and the surrounding hiding places. Tell us if you're unsure what can be washed or dried with heat, so the laundry plan takes the actual fabrics into account.
When can I go back into the house?
Plan to stay out during the treatment and until the return conditions for that treatment have been met. We'll explain the time away, drying and any ventilation needed for the work being done in your home. People and pets need to follow those instructions.
The return time depends on the treatment used. A room looking dry, or fine droplets having settled, isn't enough on its own to decide that it's ready to use again.
How do bed bugs get into the house?
The number one source we've found with our clients is travelling. They went away for a weekend or a week, usually on holiday. Bed bugs got into their suitcases or luggage, and they brought them home. That's our experience with many of the people who call us about bed bugs.
Always, always use those little luggage stands when you're staying away. Check the stand first and keep your luggage off the bed and floor. It reduces the chance of picking them up, but it isn't a guarantee.
If you suspect you've brought them back, deal with your clothing promptly and inspect the luggage. Use washing and suitable heat drying, following the care instructions, rather than relying on washing alone.
Quite often the story is that everything was fine, the client went away, and the problem appeared after they came home. That is why I bring up the suitcase and the luggage stand when people ask about avoiding another introduction. Treating a house and thinking about what comes back in from a trip are both parts of dealing with the problem.
Questions we get asked
Can bites alone confirm bed bugs?
No. Clients sometimes think they have bed bugs when the problem is actually fleas. I inspect and look for the insects and their hiding places before choosing treatment.
Is fogging used on every job?
No. We sometimes use ULV fogging alongside treatment, but it doesn't replace finding and treating the hiding places. What we use depends on the inspection.
What does the work cost?
The table lists initial treatment and follow-up prices separately. VAT is included. We usually arrange a follow-up one to two weeks after the first treatment.
| House | Treatment | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 bedroom | R1 380 | R1 093 |
| 4 bedroom | R1 610 | R1 208 |
| 5 bedroom | R1 840 | R1 380 |
| 6 bedroom | R2 128 | R1 668 |
See the travel charges by area for work outside Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha.
Prices can change. We keep the site up to date as best we can, and the price we quote you before we start is the one you pay.
What else might help?
Tell us what you're seeing
Tell us where the problem is and what you've noticed. We'll take it from there.
Or phone 061 905 0514 if you'd rather talk to a person.