Bed bug specialist ThermoPest has launched a free online bed bug awareness course for frontline staff in social housing, temporary accommodation, care homes, hotels and hostels.
The launch comes weeks ahead of phase 2 of Awaab’s Law, which takes effect on Monday, Novemberm 30, 2026.
From that date, social landlords in England must investigate pest hazards that pose a significant risk within fixed timescales, give tenants a written summary of what they found, and keep records of the action taken. It is the first time pests have been brought explicitly within the law.
The course takes about 40 minutes and is split into seven short modules:
- Recognising bed bugs
- Bites and resident welfare
- How bed bugs spread in shared buildings
- Spotting signs on a routine visit
- Responding to a report
- Treatment and follow-up
- Bed bugs and the law: who is responsible for what
Each module ends with a short check, followed by a 15-question final quiz. Staff who pass receive a certificate. Team leads can invite colleagues with a single link and see a team report of who has completed the course.
James Rhoades, founder of ThermoPest, said: “Housing officers, caretakers, support workers and housekeeping teams are usually the first to see the signs of bed bugs, often before a resident reports them.
“The earlier a problem is spotted and recorded, the easier it is to deal with, and the less chance it has to spread to neighbouring flats or rooms. We’ve made the course free because better-informed frontline staff mean faster reports, fewer repeat infestations and clearer records for everyone.”
