Insect
Common Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
Bed bugs have surged in Kempton Park guest houses, Airbnb rentals and apartment complexes since 2020. Adults are flat, oval, reddish-brown and the size of an apple seed. They hide in mattress seams, bed bases, headboards and skirting, feeding at night. Effective treatment combines mattress-and-frame heat or steam, residual chemical, and a mandatory 14-day follow-up.
How to identify
- 5–7 mm flat, oval, reddish-brown adults
- Small red bites in lines or clusters on exposed skin
- Dark blood-spot stains on mattress seams and sheets
- Sweet, musty smell in heavily infested rooms
Where they hide
- Mattress seams, piping and underside
- Bed-base slats, frame joints and headboards
- Bedside cupboards, plug sockets and skirting
- Suitcases, secondhand furniture and curtains
Health & property risks
- Itchy bites and secondary skin infections
- Sleep loss, anxiety and mental-health impact
- Reputational damage for hosts and guesthouses
- Rapid spread between rooms via luggage
Prevention tips
- Inspect secondhand beds and bases before bringing home
- Use light-coloured bedding to spot signs early
- Vacuum mattresses and luggage after travel
- Treat the entire room — never just the mattress
FAQs
Common Bed Bug — answered
Everything Kempton Park homeowners ask before booking treatment.
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