15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
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15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
You’ve just completed your big move, unpacked your favourite armchair, and are ready to settle into your new home. But then, within days, the itching begins. At first, you think it’s just your imagination, but after spotting a few telltale signs – tiny blood spots on your sheets or little brown bugs – reality hits: bed bugs. And the worst part? They’ve come with your furniture, courtesy of the moving company.
So, what do you do when the movers bring bed bugs into your home? It’s a situation no one expects, but it does happen. Here’s how to handle it.
Bed bugs are sneaky creatures. They love hitching rides on all sorts of things – mattresses, upholstered furniture, even cardboard boxes. Now, imagine all those items packed into a moving truck. If the truck hasn’t been properly cleaned or if the moving blankets have been used in an infested home before yours, it’s easy to see how the bugs might make the journey to your new place.
I’ve heard from clients who noticed bites appearing within days of a move or spotted bed bugs on furniture that had never been infested before. That’s usually a big clue that the bugs hitched a ride with the movers.
First things first – don’t panic, but act fast. If you even think bed bugs might’ve come in with your belongings, you’ll want to inspect everything.
Start by inspecting your items. Check furniture, mattresses, and boxes for signs of bed bugs. Look for live bugs, blood stains, or those tiny brownish-black droppings. Bed bugs love to hide in seams, cracks, and folds, so be thorough.
Next, document the problem. If you spot bed bugs on your belongings or in your home soon after the move, take photos or videos as evidence. This could be important if you need to hold the moving company accountable later.
Then, isolate anything that might be infested. Bed bugs can spread quickly, so keep any potentially infested items in one room or seal them in plastic bags until you can arrange for treatment.
As soon as you suspect that the bed bugs came from the movers, get in touch with the moving company. Let them know what’s happened, provide your evidence, and make it clear that you expect them to take responsibility.
When contacting the company, include the timeline of events. Mention when you first noticed the bites or bugs and how soon it was after the move. This helps demonstrate that the bed bugs likely came from their truck or equipment. Request compensation for the costs of pest control, and be polite but firm in your communication.
Now, here’s the important bit – what are your legal rights in this situation?
If a moving company brings bed bugs into your home, they could be held liable for the damage. It’s their responsibility to provide a safe and clean service. Moving companies are generally expected to maintain their vehicles and equipment to prevent these kinds of issues.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
If the moving company refuses to take responsibility, you may need to escalate the matter. This could mean filing a complaint with their insurer or taking them to small claims court. In some cases, getting legal advice can help ensure you’re properly compensated.
Of course, the best situation is avoiding bed bugs altogether. So, how can you lower the risk of this happening next time you move?
Choosing a reputable moving company is key. When booking your movers, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do they regularly clean and inspect their trucks for pests? How often do they clean their moving blankets and other equipment? These are fair questions, and any trustworthy company should have clear answers.
During the move, take steps to protect your belongings. Seal mattresses, upholstery, and clothing in plastic to reduce the chance of bugs getting in. When the movers arrive, give the truck a quick look. If it seems dirty or dodgy, you’re within your rights to express concern.
And once you’re in your new home, clean and inspect everything as you unpack. A quick vacuum and inspection can catch any issues early, before they spread.
Unfortunately, bed bugs don’t just stay put. If they came in with your belongings, they can quickly take over your new home. That’s why you need to hire a professional pest control company as soon as you suspect an infestation.
At ThermoPest, we specialise in fast, effective bed bug treatment, and trust me, catching the problem early is crucial. Bed bugs breed quickly, and a small issue can turn into a full-blown infestation if left untreated.
Dealing with bed bugs can be stressful, both financially and emotionally. It’s frustrating to feel like you’ve paid good money for a moving service, only to end up with an unexpected pest problem. Remember, you’re not alone – and you do have options to seek compensation and put the issue behind you.
No one expects bed bugs to show up with their furniture after a move, but it does happen. If a moving company brings bed bugs into your home, you need to act fast. Inspect your belongings, document everything, and reach out to the moving company with your complaint. If they’re at fault, you have the right to seek compensation for the costs of getting rid of those pests.
At ThermoPest, we know how overwhelming bed bug infestations can be, especially when they come as an unexpected bonus with your move. We’re here to help, offering expert pest control services to keep your home safe and bed bug-free. If you’ve found yourself in this frustrating situation, get in touch today, and we’ll get things sorted.
