§ 01
What bed bugs look like
Adults are flat, oval and reddish-brown, about 5 mm long, and swell and darken after feeding. Young bed bugs are smaller and paler, and their eggs are white and about 1 mm long, often stuck in seams and crevices.
§ 02
Where to look
Strip the bed and use a torch. Bed bugs hide close to where people sleep, so start there and work outwards:
- Seams, piping, labels and buttons on the mattress.
- Joints, screw holes and slats of the bed frame and base.
- Behind the headboard and any pictures above the bed.
- Bedside tables, skirting boards, carpet edges and plug sockets near the bed.
- Sofas and chairs if someone sleeps or naps on them.
§ 03
The signs
- Small dark or black spots (droppings) on the mattress, sheets or frame.
- Small blood spots on sheets or pillowcases.
- Pale, empty shed skins.
- Itchy bites, often in lines or clusters on skin exposed during sleep. Not everyone reacts, so bites alone are not proof.
- A sweet, musty smell in heavier infestations.
§ 04
What not to do
Shop-bought sprays and foggers rarely reach the bugs hidden in crevices and can drive them into other rooms or neighbouring flats. Moving to sleep in another room can have the same effect. Avoid throwing furniture away before it has been inspected, because carrying it through the property can spread bed bugs further.
§ 05
What helps while you wait
- Wash bedding and clothes from the room at 60°C, or tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum the mattress, bed frame and carpet edges, then empty the vacuum into a sealed bag outside.
- Reduce clutter around the bed, but keep items in the same room until they have been treated or washed.
- If you rent or live in a block, tell your landlord or managing agent early, as neighbouring units may need checking too.
