Bed bugs are harmless—but unpleasant
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are unpleasant but harmless; they cause no property damage and do not spread disease. The presence of bed bugs has nothing to do with hygiene or how “clean” a home is—they can affect anyone. Today, bed bugs are found all over the world, and the problem has increased in recent years, even in Sweden. This is due, in part, to increased travel and the trade in used furniture.
How to Spot Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are about 4–5 mm long, roughly the size of an apple seed. They cannot jump or fly, but move by crawling.
Common signs of bed bugs may include:
- small, itchy bites on the skin (often in rows or clusters)
- small bloodstains on the sheets and pillowcases
- small black dots (droppings) where bed bugs are found, such as along the edges of the bed
Everyone reacts differently to the bites. Some experience noticeable itching and redness, while others hardly notice anything at all.
If you suspect you have bed bugs
Contact your building manager as soon as possible. As a tenant, you are required to report pest infestations, but you are also entitled to free pest control services. If you wait to report it, there is a risk that the infestation will worsen and spread to other homes. Skövdebostäder’s goal is for anyone who reports an infestation to receive assistance within a week. However, it’s important to know that pest control can take time—sometimes multiple treatments are required, depending on the extent of the infestation.
Here's How the Cleanup Works
Skövdebostäder has a contract with the pest control company Nomor, which specializes in bed bug extermination. The treatment is tailored to the specific situation in your home and is safe for both people and pets. For the treatment to be successful, cooperation is essential. As a tenant, you may need to:
- Wash textiles according to the instructions (usually at 60 degrees)
- handle clothing and items in a way that reduces the risk of transmission
- Follow the advice you receive from the remediation technician
Clear information is provided during the cleanup so that you can easily do the right thing.
Why Evacuation Is Not a Solution
In the case of bed bugs, it is important to remain in your home during the treatment. Bed bugs are attracted by human presence, which is essential for the treatment to be effective. If you move out temporarily, there is a risk that the bed bugs will spread to new locations.
Here's How to Reduce the Risk of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are often spread through travel or via secondhand furniture. Here are a few simple preventive tips:
- Don't put your suitcases on the bed when staying at a hotel
- Wash your clothes as soon as you get home from a trip
- Inspect used furniture carefully before bringing it into your home
- Avoid unnecessary clutter—it makes both detection and cleanup easier
Together, we can reduce the spread
Bed bugs are a societal problem, but with early reporting, professional extermination, and cooperation, they can be effectively managed. Our goal is for you to feel safe, receive clear support, and not have to deal with the problem alone.
Only by working together can we stop the spread of bed bugs!