Same-day heat treatment for a severe infestation in a Borehamwood apartment
- Property
- 1-bedroom ground-floor apartment
- Severity
- Heavy
- Rooms treated
- 1
- Time on site
- 6 hours
A tenant in a Borehamwood ground-floor apartment had been living with bed bugs for over four months after inheriting second-hand bedroom furniture. The infestation was severe, with bugs visible on walls and curtains. We carried out an emergency same-week treatment that cleared the flat in one visit.
Before treatment
- Live bed bugs visible on bedroom walls, curtains and inside the wardrobe
- Heavy faecal spotting across the mattress, bed frame and behind the headboard
- Tenant reporting sleep loss and anxiety after months of nightly bites
- Infestation had begun spreading into the living-room sofa and hallway coat cupboard
After treatment
- Single-day eradication across the bedroom, living room and hallway
- Tenant slept undisturbed from the first night after treatment
- No replacement furniture needed — all items were salvageable after heat treatment
- Landlord issued with treatment certificate and 60-day guarantee
How we carried out the treatment
- 1
Emergency survey
Same-day inspection confirmed heavy infestation in the bedroom with early spread to the living room. Identified the second-hand furniture as the likely source.
- 2
Preparation
Tenant removed clothing and soft furnishings for hot washing. We helped dismantle the bed frame to expose all harbourage points.
- 3
Heat treatment
Three heaters and high-volume fans raised the entire flat to 55°C, with extended hold time in the bedroom due to severity. Probes in mattress, wardrobe and wall cavities.
- 4
Aftercare
Issued landlord treatment report, fitted mattress encasement, and scheduled follow-up inspections at 14 and 30 days. Provided advice on inspecting second-hand furniture.
"I had been too embarrassed to tell anyone for months. They were completely professional, no judgement, and the flat was clear after one day. I finally feel at home again."
Frequently asked questions
- How quickly can you respond to a severe infestation in Borehamwood?
- For this WD6 ground-floor apartment we carried out a same-day survey and booked treatment within the same week. Emergency slots are available for heavy infestations that are affecting sleep or mental health.
- Can second-hand furniture really cause bed bugs?
- Yes. In this case the tenant inherited a wardrobe and bed frame that turned out to be heavily infested. We now advise thorough inspection of any second-hand bedroom furniture before bringing it indoors.
- Do I need to replace all furniture after four months of bed bugs?
- No. Heat treatment sanitises wood, fabric and upholstery so most furniture can be kept. This tenant kept the wardrobe and bed frame after treatment and has had no further issues.
- Is the treatment embarrassing or disruptive for apartment tenants?
- Not at all. We arrive in unmarked vehicles, treat discreetly, and leave no chemical odour. This tenant said the team was completely professional and judgement-free.
Book a bed bug inspection in Borehamwood
Same-week appointments available in Borehamwood and throughout Hertfordshire.
Get a fast bed bug quote
Usually a reply within 2 working hours.
Bed bugs in Borehamwood or elsewhere in Hertfordshire?
We cover the whole of Hertfordshire with same-week appointments and fixed pricing. Get a no-obligation quote or call us directly.
More case studies
- St Albans, Hertfordshire
Severe bed bug infestation cleared in a St Albans Victorian terrace
- Watford, Hertfordshire
Heat treatment in a Watford rental flat — landlord and tenants happy