Pest Guide
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood and are particularly good at hiding in narrow cracks and concealed areas. They are commonly associated with sleeping and resting areas, where they can remain hidden during the day and become active when a host is nearby. Early identification is important because an established infestation can be difficult to control without professional treatment.
Common signs include:
- Live bed bugs around beds or furniture
- Small dark spots on mattresses, bed frames or nearby surfaces
- Shed skins or empty eggshells
- Eggs hidden within cracks, seams and crevices
- Small blood spots on bedding
- Activity around mattress seams and bed frames
- Bites or skin irritation may occur, although these alone do not confirm bed bug activity
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs prefer narrow, protected areas close to where people sleep or spend extended periods resting. Common hiding locations include:
- Mattress seams and edges
- Bed frames and headboards
- Bedside furniture
- Cracks and joints in furniture
- Behind skirting boards
- Upholstered furniture
- Around carpet edges
- Behind or around nearby wall fixtures
- Luggage, bags and other belongings in affected areas
What Can Lead to Bed Bug Activity?
Bed bugs are not necessarily associated with poor cleanliness. They can be transported from one location to another in belongings and then establish themselves in suitable hiding places. Common ways they may be introduced include:
- Luggage after travel
- Second-hand furniture
- Clothing and personal belongings
- Movement between adjoining rooms or properties
- Visitors carrying affected belongings
- Items moved from an infested location
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Bed Bugs?
- Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it indoors
- Check luggage and belongings after travelling
- Avoid placing luggage directly onto beds when travelling
- Regularly inspect mattress seams and bed frames
- Reduce unnecessary clutter around sleeping areas
- Vacuum around beds, furniture and carpet edges regularly
- Avoid moving potentially affected items into other rooms
- Seek professional advice if bed bug activity is suspected
When Is Professional Treatment Needed?
Professional pest control should be considered when bed bugs or clear signs of bed bug activity are discovered.
Bed bugs can hide in extremely small spaces, and different life stages may be present throughout an affected area. Effective control may therefore require a detailed inspection and a treatment strategy targeting the areas where bed bugs are hiding.
If bed bugs are suspected, avoiding unnecessary movement of bedding, furniture and belongings between rooms can also help reduce the chance of spreading them to other areas.
