Bed Bugs Identification and Control
This online course covers bed bug biology, behaviour and history and demonstrates how to use this knowledge to effectively manage bed bug infestations in a wide range of situations.
Bed bugs aren’t just a nuisance — they’re a serious threat to health, hygiene, reputation (especially for accommodations, care homes, rentals), and can be expensive to eradicate when infestations escalate. Knowing the biology, behaviour, effective control methods, and inspection skills early can save you time, money, and legal risks. This course gives you the knowledge and tools to identify infestations early, choose non-chemical or chemical treatments responsibly, and monitor success over time.
Who Should Attend
Ideal for pest control technicians, cleaning & hygiene professionals, property managers, accommodation providers, or anyone who wants to understand how to control bed bug infestations safely and effectively.
Prerequisites: Basic pest control knowledge is useful but not essential — we’ll guide you through the basics. A willingness to study online materials and take the exam is all you need.
Course Content
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History & Biology – Learn the lifecycle of bed bugs, species common in the UK, their survival strategies and why infestations persist.
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Inspection Techniques & Habitats – How to inspect hiding places (bed frames, furniture joints, skirting boards), tools to use (lights, moisture meters, detection dogs if relevant), spot early signs.
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Behaviour & Movement – How bed bugs move, travel, how they spread between rooms/homes; what encourages hiding or emergence.
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Non-Chemical Control Methods – Heat treatment, vacuuming, steam, encasements, mattress removal or environmental adjustments.
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Chemical/Insecticidal Treatments – Correct insecticides, resistance issues, safe application, legal compliance, follow-up treatments.
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Monitoring & Prevention – Using traps or monitors, protocol for follow-ups, educating clients / occupants to avoid re-infestation.
Course Points and Certificate
After completing this course, you’ll be able to:
- Confidently inspect & detect a bed bug infestation at early stage.
- Develop a treatment plan combining non-chemical & chemical methods.
- Understand and apply legal restrictions & safety obligations.
- Monitor treatment success and prevent re-infestations.
- Advise clients or customers professionally about prevention and maintenance.
Costs
Online course plus exam
This is an online course combined with an exam. You can work through modules at your own pace, but material takes approximately X hours to complete. The exam is an online test (multiple choice / scenario-based) with a pass mark of Y%. Upon passing, you’ll get a certificate you can download/print. Resits are available if needed.
Certification & Recognition
Our certificate is recognised by pest control organisations and may help with insurance / client confidence. If you’re applying for roles in accommodation, care homes, hospitality, having proof of bed bug control training is often required or looked for. Also helps you stay compliant with UK laws & codes of practice.
FAQs
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How long do I have to complete the course?There is no time restraint to how quickly to complete the course.
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What kind of exam is it? How many questions / time limit?A mulltiple choice exam which consists of 30 questions and no time limit.
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- Will this course enable me to treat bed bugs in rentals / hotels legally?
There is no legal requirement to treat bed bugs but we strongly advise that you use the content to put into a professional pest management environment.
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What happens if I fail the exam?
- You will have the option to resit the exam up to and including 3 times.
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How often should bed bugs be monitored after treatment?
- It is recommended to continue to monitor to ensure no further infestations have occurred.