Bed Bugs
Everything You Need to Know About Bed Bugs
What bed bugs look like
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects. Adults resemble apple pips in size and
shape (4–6 mm long), while nymphs are much smaller and lighter. After feeding, they
become swollen and darker in colour. Eggs are tiny, white and often glued to
hidden surfaces.
Where Bed Bugs are found
Bed bugs hide in tight, dark cracks and crevices, typically near where people sleep or rest, such as:
Mattresses, seams and box springs
Bed frames, headboards and slats
Sofas, chairs and soft furnishings
Behind skirting boards, plug points and loose wallpaper
Suitcases, bags and clothing after travel
They are expert hitchhikers and spread easily via luggage and
second-hand furniture.
Red, itchy bites in rows or clusters
Tiny dark spots (droppings) on bedding or mattresses
Blood smears on linen
Shed skins or empty eggshells
A sweet, musty odour in severe infestations
Live insects hiding in mattress seams or furniture joints
Why Bed Bugs Are a Problem
They feed on human blood while you sleep
Difficult to detect early and spread quickly
Bites cause discomfort, allergic reactions and stress
DIY fumigation almost always fails
Infestations worsen rapidly without professional treatment
Staying in hotels, guesthouses or hostels
Using contaminated luggage, clothing or personal items
Bringing second-hand beds, couches or furniture into the home
Visitors unknowingly carrying bed bugs in their bags
Multi-unit buildings (apartments, student housing, etc.) where bed bugs travel between rooms
What You Should Do
Inspect bedding, furniture and luggage regularly
Wash clothing and linen on high heat
Vacuum mattresses and carpets thoroughly
Avoid buying used mattresses and couches
Do not attempt “home remedies” , they scatter the insects and worsen the problem
If you see any signs of bed bugs, professional intervention is essential. They cannot be eliminated with store-bought treatments.
How to Prevent a bed bug infestation
Check hotel beds, headboards and mattress seams when travelling
Keep luggage off beds and carpets
Wash travel clothing immediately upon returning home
Seal cracks and gaps around beds and walls
Use mattress protectors to limit hiding spots
Avoid clutter around sleeping areas
Need Help?
If you suspect bed bugs even just a few act fast. Contact your nearest Pest
Control Specialists branch for discreet, effective eradication.