On February 19-20, 2025, we participated in the “Pest Risk Management: Bed Bugs” training course led by Jean-Michel Bérenger at INELP (National Institute for the Study and Control of Bed Bugs) in Toulouse. This training strengthened our expertise in the prevention, detection, and control of bed bugs, a growing scourge affecting many sectors, including hospitality, collective housing, and transportation.
Training objectives: Mastering bed bug control
Effectively combating bed bugs requires an in-depth understanding of these pests and the most effective techniques for their eradication. The training aimed to:
✅ Identify bed bugs and distinguish them from other insects ✅ Understand their biology, behavior, and modes of propagation ✅ Learn about existing control methods, from chemical treatments to natural solutions ✅ Implement an integrated pest management strategy adapted to different infestation levels
Skills assessed and enhanced
At the end of the training, we were able to deepen our knowledge in:
✔️ Recognizing bed bugs and analyzing their environmental impact ✔️ Assessing the degree of infestation and identifying signs of presence ✔️ Implementing appropriate control techniques based on the diagnosis ✔️ Mastering existing solutions and treatments for sustainable eradication
INELP: A leading institute in bed bug control
INELP is an independent organization founded by bed bug experts who have combined their knowledge to offer high-level training programs. It supports professionals in identifying infestations and applying proven protocols for effective and lasting control of these pests.
An enriching and hands-on training
Beyond theoretical knowledge on bed bug biology, detection methods, and existing treatments, this training was enriched with numerous practical cases and real-world feedback. Jean-Michel Bérenger, with his expertise and field anecdotes, provided invaluable insights to participants, including 3D technicians, association representatives, and canine detection experts from ECO-FLAIR.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
🛑 Jean-Michel Bérenger, medical entomologist at IHU Méditerranée Infection, director of the Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, and a recognized expert in bed bug research and control for over 12 years 🛑 Marie Effroy, director of ECO-FLAIR and president of INELP, for her warm welcome at the ECO-FLAIR premises and the canine detection demonstrations
A must-have training for professionals and specialized laboratories
We highly recommend this training for:
🔹 Laboratories developing solutions against bed bugs 🔹 3D professionals (Rodent Control, Pest Control, Disinfection) 🔹 Experts in canine detection and diagnostics 🔹 Hoteliers, landlords, and collective housing managers
Thanks to this training, we strengthen our expertise at Sereni-d® and reaffirm our commitment to developing natural, effective, and sustainable solutions against bed bugs.
📢 Discover our range at www.sereni-d.com to learn more about our bed bug solutions.
Bed bugs feed on human blood, but can they also bite our pets? Should dogs and cats be afraid of these pests? What are the right steps to take? Serenid answers all your questions on the subject. Let’s go.
⚠️ Important: This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Bed bugs and animals: key information
Bed bugs rarely bite pets.
The bites are often on areas with little hair (stomach, ears, legs).
Bed bug bites are not dangerous for animals.
Pets do not transmit bed bugs.
Chemical treatments against bed bugs are dangerous for animals.
Can bed bugs attack animals?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) feed mainly on human blood.
Injections to animals such as cats and dogs are possible, but rare.
It is difficult for a bed bug to move through the hair of our domestic companions (the same goes for humans, bites do not occur in the hair). Moreover, bed bugs wait for the host to be still to feed, which is more complicated with animals that move much more.
Bed bugs do not settle directly on a dog’s coat like fleas or ticks would. However, if they do not have access to a human host, they can bite a dog, especially in bald areas such as the stomach, the inside of the legs or the ears.
What to do?
Clean its environment: Wash its blankets, cushions, baskets, toys and any other fabric items at 60°C to eliminate bedbugs and their eggs.
Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum its basket, carpets and areas where it usually sleeps. Immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in an airtight bin.
Treat bites: Wash the bitten area with lukewarm water and mild soap. Apply a soothing cream or a suitable veterinary product, as advised by your vet.
Protect your dog: During anti-bedbug treatments in your home, keep your pet away to avoid any exposure to chemicals or hazardous residues.
Bed bugs in cats
As with dogs, cats can also be bitten by bed bugs, although this is rare. Thanks to their dense fur, bed bugs find it more difficult to reach their skin. They therefore target less hairy areas such as:
The inside of the legs
The abdomen
EarsBed bugs in cats
What to do?
Wash its environment: Machine wash its blankets, cushions and all textiles at 60°C or put them in the dryer at a high temperature to eliminate bedbugs and their eggs.
Change its litter regularly
Vacuum frequently-used areas: Vacuum its basket, cat tree, carpets and sofas. Empty the bag and dispose of it immediately in an airtight bin.
Monitor its behaviour: If your cat is scratching excessively or showing signs of stress, consult a vet.
Protect your cat: During a bed bug treatment, keep your cat away from the treated areas to avoid exposure to chemical insecticides that are harmful to its health.
Bed bugs can also bite domestic birds such as chickens, although this is very rare. The most exposed areas are the parts of the body without feathers, such as the legs or around the eyes.
A bitten bird may show:
Unusual agitation
Swelling of the skin
Lesions on the legs
Ruffled plumage
Weight loss due to stress and bites
Bed bugs can hide in birdhouses, litter, cages, under perches or in the corners of the room where the bird lives.
Inspect the bottom and surroundings of the cage every day
Remove accessories from the cage: branches, etc.
Wash the cage
Apply a treatment specifically for bed bugs
Bed bugs in reptiles
Bed bugs do not generally attack reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards), as they do not provide ideal feeding conditions. These parasites prefer warm-blooded mammals, such as humans and pets.
However, in the event of severe infestation, bed bugs may seek refuge in terrariums/vivariums or under accessories such as heating pads and reptile hiding places.
What to do?
Clean and disinfect the terrarium regularly
Check every nook and cranny and cracks where bugs could be hiding
Avoid using chemical insecticides that are harmful to reptiles (move them in case of treatment)
How can you recognise bed bug bites on a pet?
1. Appearance of the bites
Small red or swollen bumps, often grouped in a line or cluster.
Itching and irritation, more pronounced in sensitive animals.
Affected areas: stomach, ears, muzzle, legs, areas with little hair.
The animal scratches, nibbles or rubs itself more than usual.
It shows signs of discomfort or restlessness, especially at night.
Loss of appetite or unusual fatigue in case of severe irritation.
3. Differentiating bed bug bites from other parasites
Fleas: Bites often scattered, intense itching and presence of small black dots (flea droppings) in the coat.
Ticks: A single swollen lump with a tick attached to the skin.
Lice: Rarer, more likely in farms and kennels.
Are bed bug bites dangerous for pets?
Don’t worry, bed bugs do not transmit diseases to animals.
However, their (rare) bites can cause various problems for dogs, cats, birds and other pets:
Irritation and itching
Allergic reactions
Stress and behavioural disorders
Mild anaemia in fragile animals
How can you relieve bed bug bites on your pet?
To soothe itching and prevent infection in your pet, here are the steps to take:
1. Clean your pet’s skin and coat.
Gently wash the affected area with lukewarm water and mild soap suitable for animals.
Dry the skin thoroughly to avoid maceration, especially in long-haired animals.
2. Apply a soothing treatment
Use a specific soothing lotion for animals (based on aloe vera, calendula or camomile).
You can also apply a cold water compress to relieve irritation.
3. Prevent your pet from scratching too much
.
Trim your pet’s claws to limit injuries caused by scratching.
For cats and dogs, a collar or a collar may be useful if licking is excessive.
Consult a vet if necessary!
Don’ts!
🚫 Don’t use human cream, as some substances are toxic to animals.
🚫 Avoid pure essential oils, especially tea tree oil, which can be dangerous for cats.
🚫 Don’t put alcohol on bites, as this could irritate your pet’s skin further.
At the same time, it is crucial to treat your home to eradicate bed bugs.
Are chemical bed bug treatments dangerous for pets?
Paris, France, le 27 septembre 2023. Philippe désinfecte un appartement de ses punaises de lit.
photo : LP / Olivier Corsan
Yes, chemical bed bug treatments can be toxic to pets. Many insecticides used to eradicate these pests contain substances that are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and reptiles.
If treating at home, it is essential to remove your pets and all their accessories (litter, toys, cages, bowls, etc.) during and after application to avoid any risk of poisoning.
Above all, ask for advice from the professional who treats your home. They will be able to give you specific instructions: airing, washing at a high temperature, etc.
Opt for natural solutions
Chemical treatments should be a last resort and only used in the event of a serious infestation.
Above all, opt for natural treatments such as diatomaceous earth, anti-bug covers or high-temperature dry steam, which are safe for animals.
Good to know: Our range of Serenid products can be used in the presence of your animals.
Dogs: a formidable weapon for detecting bed bugs
Détection canine
Thanks to their highly developed sense of smell, dog bed bug detectors are one of the most reliable ways to detect an infestation. In a few minutes, they are able to pinpoint the presence of these pests, even in hard-to-reach places such as mattresses, skirting boards or cracks.
Used by pest control experts, these specially trained dogs enable a quick and effective diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary treatments and directly targeting the infested areas. An effective solution to act quickly and limit the spread of bed bugs!
FAQ
Do animals transmit bed bugs to humans?
No, bedbugs do not live on animals and do not cling to their fur like fleas or ticks. They prefer fixed places (mattresses, skirting boards, nooks and crannies, etc.) to hide and wait for their blood meal.
What is the natural predator of bedbugs?
Skull crickets, geckos and certain beetles are predators of bed bugs. However, their presence in a house does not completely eliminate the infestation.
Can bed bugs hide in animal bedding?
No, bedbugs prefer dry, smooth surfaces such as mattresses, box springs and cracks in furniture. Your pet’s bedding is therefore not a favourable place for them to infest.
Do you have suspicious marks and stains in your bedding? Feces near the skirting boards? You may have bed bugs in your home. We don’t need to remind you, but this little pest, also known as ‘Cimex lectularius’, is often very difficult to live with on a daily basis. Early detection is therefore essential to avoid any proliferation. Here’s a practical guide to identifying the different types of marks and stains and spotting the presence of bed bugs in your home. You’ll also find a list of effective treatments for eradicating them.
Bed bug traces and stains: key information
Bed bugs leave bloodstains on sheets, black excrement on mattresses, skirting boards and furniture, as well as whitish eggs and moults.
In the event of heavy infestation, a sweet or musty smell, due to bed bugs’ pheromones, can be smelled.
When in doubt, canine detection is a fast and reliable technique for confirming the presence of bed bugs, by precisely targeting infested areas thanks to the exceptional sense of smell of trained dogs.
The main treatments and prevention methods are: Steam cleaning, use of bedbug covers, natural insecticides such as diatomaceous earth, and rigorous cleaning of bedding and nooks and crannies.
How can you recognise traces of bed bugs?
Bed bug droppings and excrement
Bed bug droppings are one of the most telling signs of an infestation. These harmful insects feed exclusively on human blood, and their excrement, composed of digested blood residue, leaves characteristic traces.
Here’s how to identify them:
Appearance: Droppings appear in the form of small black or brown spots, similar to ink blots. They are usually clustered near areas where bedbugs hide: mattresses, box springs, the seams of sheets or skirting boards.
Location: Look for these marks around mattress seams, on pillows, in the crevices of the box spring, or on furniture close to the bed. These stains can also be found on walls or behind the headboard.
Texture: Excrement is dry and spreads slightly when rubbed with a damp cloth, leaving a brownish mark.
The droppings are often accompanied by dead bedbug skins or whitish eggs. These are very revealing signs of an infestation.
Practical tip: If you find these marks, don’t ignore them. Vacuum the affected areas immediately, then use a high-temperature steam cleaner (minimum 100°C) to decontaminate thoroughly, and apply our FREEZE aerosol.
Bed bugs often leave traces of blood on sheets, covers and bedding. These bloodstains are small, bright red or dark brown, and located around the areas where you sleep.
At night, if you move around while you’re asleep, it’s common to crush bedbugs that are full of blood after their meal.
What’s more, a bedbug can absorb up to twice its own weight. When it has eaten too much, it can leave a trail of blood behind.
How do you clean bloodstains from bedding?
Act quickly: As soon as you spot a stain, treat it immediately before it dries, as fresh stains are easier to remove.
Use cold water: Soak the affected area in cold water. Avoid hot water, which can set the stain.
Apply bicarbonate of soda: Prepare a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water, apply it to the stain and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Mild soap or stain remover: Apply a mild soap or stain remover specifically for blood stains (such as percarbonate-based products). Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush.
Wash at high temperature: Put stained clothes in the washing machine at 60°C to remove all traces of stain and reduce the risk of parasites spreading.
Natural option: You can also use white vinegar or lemon juice.
Use a bed bugs with mattress cover
You can protect your bedding with a special bed bugs with mattress cover. Similar to an anti-dust mite cover, it’s made from a multi-layered non-woven fabric. It forms a total barrier against bed bugs trapped inside. Some covers guarantee a micron-level seal for total protection.
Other signs of infestation
Bites and pimples
How can you recognise bed bug bites?
Bites are often concentrated in areas uncovered during sleep, such as the arms, legs, neck and face.
In terms of appearance, they take the form of small red pimples, often grouped together in a straight line or in clusters, and cause severe itching.
The itching and redness may persist for several days, or even a week, depending on the person’s sensitivity.
Some people do not react to bed bug bites because they have no allergic reaction. This can delay detection of an infestation.
Bites alone are not always enough to confirm an infestation. They need to be cross-checked with other clues, such as traces of blood on bedding, droppings or bed bug eggs in the nooks and crannies of the bedroom.
Difference from other insect bites
Mosquitoes: Mosquito bites are often isolated and larger, with immediate itching.
Fleas: Fleas generally bite around the ankles and leave slightly raised spots.
Mites: They cause diffuse redness, accompanied by constant irritation, rather than well-defined pimples.
Pyemotes and scleroderms: These insects can also cause red pimples, but their bites are less frequent and occur on contact with infested textiles or grain.
What should you do if you are bitten by bed bugs?
Do not scratch to avoid aggravating the itching or causing an infection
Bed bug eggs and moults are clear signs of an infestation in your home. These traces are often left in places where bedbugs hide between their blood meals, such as bedding, cracks and dark nooks and crannies.
How can you recognise bed bug eggs?
Size and appearance: Bed bug eggs measure around 1 millimetre, are white or translucent in colour and have an elongated, slightly oval shape. They look like small grains of rice.
Location: They are generally found in the seams of mattresses, cracks in furniture, skirting boards and under bedsprings. Female bed bugs lay their eggs in hard-to-reach places.
Number: A female can lay 5 to 7 eggs a day, with a total capacity of 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime, which can quickly worsen an infestation.
Bed bug moults
Molts are the exoskeletons left behind by bed bugs as they grow from nymphs to adults.
They are light brown or translucent in colour and resemble immobile but empty bedbugs.
Like eggs, they are often found in bedbugs’ favourite hiding places, such as mattress seams, furniture crevices and dark corners.
What should you do if you find bed bug eggs or moults?
Vacuum infested areas, paying particular attention to mattress seams and crevices.
Use a high-temperaturesteam cleaner (at least 120°C) to kill the eggs.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in strategic nooks and crannies to prevent the eggs from hatching.
Follow up with a natural insecticide treatment such as Serenid spray.
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One of the often overlooked but telling signs of a bed bug infestation is the distinctive odour they can give off.
Bed bugs give off a slightly sweet smell, sometimes compared to berries or a musty odour. This smell comes from their pheromones.
In the event of an advanced infestation, the smell becomes stronger due to the large number of bedbugs present and the accumulation of their faeces and excrement.
This odour is generally concentrated in areas where they hide, such as
The seams of mattresses and pillows
Cracks and nooks in furniture or walls
Skirting boards and carpets near beds
Box springs or headboards
Détection canine
Confirming the presence of bed bugs with dog detection
Dog detection is an effective and increasingly popular method of confirming the presence of bed bugs. Thanks to their exceptional sense of smell, trained dogs are able to spot bedbugs, even when they are hiding in hard-to-reach places.
Unlike a manual inspection, which can be long and tedious, a detection dog can inspect a room in just a few minutes. What’s more, dogs can target infested areas precisely, reducing the need for widespread, often costly, treatment.
Dog detection is particularly useful for early infestations, where other visual signs (eggs, droppings, moults) are still difficult to spot.
Once the bedbugs have been located, the professional will propose a suitable treatment plan.
With the explosion in tourism and travel, cases of bed bug infestation are becoming increasingly common in holiday lets. Airbnb accommodation is particularly affected, leaving travellers and owners often powerless to deal with the problem. What are the right things to do? Is it possible to get a refund? Who should pay for treatment? Here’s a practical guide to the subject of bed bugs in Airbnb accommodation.
Bed bugs in an Airbnb: key information
With the increase in travel and use of Airbnb accommodation, bed bug infestations are becoming more and more common.
Travellers should get into the habit of checking for bed bugs as soon as they arrive at their Airbnb accommodation.
Avoid placing your luggage directly on the bed or floor to limit the risk of spreading.
If bed bugs are found, quickly report the problem to the host and Airbnb customer service.
Airbnb offers a partial or full refund of your stay via AirCover protection, provided you supply proof (photos, videos).
Hosts must implement a rigorous prevention and treatment protocol, including the intervention of certified professionals.
How do you know if there are bed bugs in an Airbnb?
Before unpacking your bags and enjoying your Airbnb, it’s a good idea to check whether or not the accommodation is infested with bed bugs. Prevention is better than cure! Although these pests are often difficult to spot at first sight, they do leave some characteristic clues.
Here are the steps to follow to detect their presence:
1. Inspect the bed and bedding
Carefully examine the mattress, sheets, pillows and seams of the bed base. Look for traces of blood, black spots (droppings), whitish eggs or dead skin. Don’t forget to check the headboard and footboards.
2. Check the nooks and crannies
Bed bugs love to hide in cracks, skirting boards or furniture close to the bed. Use your phone’s torch to get a better look.
3. Detect an unusual smell
In the event of a major infestation, bed bugs give off a slightly sweet or musty smell due to their pheromones.
4. Keep an eye on your bites
If you notice bites grouped in rows or clusters on exposed areas of skin during the night, bed bugs are very likely to be present. These bites often cause intense itching.
In principle, bed bug bites are not dangerous to health, but they can cause allergic reactions.
What to do in the event of an infestation
Discovering bed bugs in an Airbnb can be very stressful. Don’t panic, here’s what you need to do to limit the damage.
Report the problem immediately
Contact your host and Airbnb customer service as soon as you suspect the presence of bed bugs. Take photos of any visible marks (black spots, bedbugs, eggs) and bites on your skin to support your report. Transparency is essential to avoid other travellers being affected as well.
You can contact them by e-mail, online chat or telephone on +33 1 84 88 40 00.
Good to know: every booking on Airbnb includes AirCover protection, which means that in the event of a serious problem, you will be offered similar accommodation, subject to availability and at a comparable price.
Don’t move your luggage
Avoid placing your luggage on the floor, bed or surfaces close to infested areas. Place it on a metal support, such as a luggage rack, or in the bathroom, where bedbugs have fewer hiding places. In any case, up high! And lock your luggage at night.
Protect your personal belongings
Put your clothes and personal belongings in airtight plastic bags to keep bedbugs out. If you have any doubts, wash your clothes (worn or not) immediately at a minimum temperature of 60°C or freeze them at -18°C for at least 48 hours.
Inspect and clean your luggage
Before leaving your home, thoroughly inspect your suitcases and bags. Use a hoover to remove any eggs or bedbugs. Empty the contents of the hoover into an airtight bag and dispose of it outside.
Avoid carrying bedbugs home
When you return, take precautions to avoid contaminating your home. Unpack your luggage outside or in a tiled room that’s easy to clean, or even in your bathtub. Put your clothes in a tumble dryer at high temperature or use a steam cleaner on your luggage and textiles.
Don’t sleep in another bed in your home
Changing beds or rooms can worsen the infestation by dispersing bed bugs throughout the accommodation. It’s best to stay in the infested room until the host takes action.
Request a change of accommodation
If the infestation is confirmed and the host cannot resolve the problem immediately, ask to be rehoused.
To avoid bringing bed bugs home with you after a stay in an Airbnb or other accommodation, here are the preventive measures to take before, during and after your trip.
Before you arrive
Check the latest notices
Prepare your bedbug repellent kit: Take along airtight plastic bags, a natural repellent spray (such as pyrethrum-based sprays), a repellent leaflet and, if necessary, adhesive traps.
Wash your clothes at a high temperature: Run your clothes at 60°C minimum or tumble dry to kill any bedbugs or eggs.
Inspect your luggage: Check the seams, folds and pockets to make sure no bedbugs have infiltrated. Vacuum your luggage and empty the bag into an outside bin.
Put your luggage in the freezer if necessary: If you have any doubts, leave your luggage in a freezer at -18°C for 48 hours to eliminate any parasites.
Once you’re home
Unpack your suitcases outside
Never put your luggage on or near your bed
Use a steam cleaner: steam dry your luggage, textiles or other objects to disinfect them completely.
Bed bugs in an Airbnb: can you claim a refund?
Refunding your stay
If bed bugs are found in your Airbnb, you are entitled to a full or partial refund of your stay.
Here’s how to proceed:
Report the problem immediately within 72 hours of discovering it.
You can contact Airbnb user support by email, online chat or by phone on +33 1 84 88 40 00.
Provide proof: photos or videos.
Good to know: In principle, the owner is obliged to provide pest-free accommodation. In the event of a proven infestation, payment will therefore be cancelled in full or in part.
Reimbursement of medical expenses
Medical consultations, antihistamines or antiseptic ointments – bed bug bites can cost money. Here again, travellers can request reimbursement of these costs.
Airbnb owners: what to do if your accommodation is infested by bed bugs
The use of Airbnb accommodation by French and foreign travellers automatically increases the risk of contamination. It should be remembered that the presence of these pests is in no way linked to a lack of hygiene.
The company must undertake to spray a minimum of 2 times, approximately 15 days apart.A second pass allows the insecticide to act on the young bedbugs after the eggs have hatched.
Does home insurance cover bed bug treatment?
The extent to which home insurance covers bed bug treatment varies from policy to policy and from company to company. Generally speaking, standard home insurance policies do not cover the cost of eradicating pests, including bed bugs, as these operations are considered to be part of routine home maintenance.
You should therefore check the clauses of your home insurance policy and contact your insurer to find out whether such cover is included or can be added.
