HPC247 Whelan Pest Prevention, in Whiteley, is using new specialised heat treatment technology to combat the ongoing bed bug epidemic which has spread across Europe, including hundreds of cases in and around Southampton. 

It's designed to eradicate bed bug infestations in homes, businesses and even hotels.

The investment comes after a fast spread of bed bugs in Paris with insects being spotted on public transport and infesting hotels across the French capital.

The Daily Echo has featured several affected homes, including single mum Tegan Dare and her two children who have suffered a serious bed bug infestation in their Southampton council home.

Managing Director of HPC247 Whelan Pest Prevention Sean Whelan said that although bed bugs have always been around, the public health problem is getting worse and people are becoming worried about a major spread of bed bugs in the UK.

The firm's new bed bug busting heaters, the top temperatures of which Sean is not revealing for fear of copy cats, work by safely heating properties to a temperature that is so hot, nothing is able to survive, putting a stop to all pest infestations, including bed bugs.

Sean added: “Bed bugs have always been around in homes, hotels and businesses so we don’t want to scaremonger the public into thinking every home in the UK is suddenly going to be swamped by bed bugs.

“However, we want to reassure people that if they do suspect bed bugs, there are plenty of ways to get rid of them, which is why we have invested in these heaters.

“The first sign of bed bugs is usually bites on the body which are itchy. You might also notice small dark spots or bugs around the seams, crevices and tufts in mattresses.

“Once we have completed our heat treatment, nothing will be able to survive. It is a guaranteed method to remove bed bugs.

“It’s also important to remember that bed bugs are not caused by a dirty home or business. It is a misconception that bed bugs fester in dirty places, anyone could be faced with a bed bug problem.”