Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood, usually while people are sleeping. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day, which can make them difficult to spot in the early stages of an infestation.
Despite what many people believe, bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene. They can infest any home and are often introduced through luggage, clothing or second-hand furniture.
Knowing what to look for can help you identify a problem early and prevent it from spreading.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Adult bed bugs are approximately 4 to 7 mm long, roughly the size of an apple seed. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies and are usually reddish-brown in colour.
After feeding, their bodies become larger, darker and more rounded.
Young bed bugs are much smaller and can appear pale or almost translucent, making them particularly difficult to identify.
Bed bugs cannot fly or jump. Instead, they crawl and spend most of their time hidden close to where people sleep or rest.
Common Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
1. Live Bed Bugs
Finding a live bed bug is the clearest sign of an infestation.
However, bed bugs are particularly good at hiding. Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into narrow gaps in mattresses, bed frames and furniture.
When inspecting a bedroom, it is important to look closely at these areas rather than simply checking the surface of the mattress.
2. Bed Bug Eggs
Bed bug eggs are approximately 1 mm long and have a pearly white appearance.
They are usually found in protected areas such as mattress seams, furniture joints and cracks in bed frames.
Because of their small size, eggs can easily be missed during a quick inspection.
3. Bed Bug Bites
Unexplained bites can be another possible indication of bed bugs.
Bites may appear as small, red, itchy marks, sometimes grouped together or in lines. However, reactions vary from person to person, and some people show no visible reaction at all.
It is important to remember that bites alone cannot confirm a bed bug infestation. Other insects and skin conditions can cause similar symptoms.
If you are concerned about bites, check your sleeping area for other physical signs of bed bug activity.
4. Dark Spots on Mattresses and Furniture
One of the signs pest controllers look for during an inspection is faecal spotting.
These markings appear as small, dark brown or black spots, often concentrated around areas where bed bugs are hiding.
They are commonly found along mattress seams, bed frames, headboards and furniture joints.
5. Blood Spots on Bedding
Small blood spots on sheets or pillowcases can sometimes indicate bed bug activity.
These may appear after feeding or if a bed bug is accidentally crushed while someone is sleeping.
Blood marks are not conclusive evidence on their own, but they are worth investigating if you notice other signs of an infestation.
6. Shed Skins
As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer skin.
These pale, translucent skins can sometimes be found around mattress seams, furniture joints and other hiding places.
Finding shed skins alongside spotting or live insects can provide useful evidence of an established infestation.
Where Should You Look for Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs generally prefer to hide close to where people sleep or spend long periods resting.
The most common places to check include:
- Mattress seams, piping and labels
- Bed frames and headboards
- Divan bases and storage beds
- Bedside tables and furniture joints
- Skirting boards and nearby cracks
- Behind loose wallpaper and wall decorations
- Sofas and upholstered furniture
More established infestations can spread beyond the bed and into other areas of the property.
For more detailed advice, read our guide on where bed bugs hide in your home.
What Should You Do If You Find Signs of Bed Bugs?
If you suspect bed bugs, avoid moving furniture, bedding or belongings into other rooms, as this could spread the infestation.
It is also best not to throw away your mattress immediately. Bed bugs may be hiding in surrounding furniture and cracks, meaning replacing the mattress alone will not necessarily solve the problem.
If you find live bed bugs or other convincing evidence, arrange a professional inspection to establish the extent of the infestation.
Professional Bed Bug Control in Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire
If you think you have bed bugs in your home, Peace of Mind Pest Control can help.
We provide professional bed bug inspections and treatments across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire, including Bracknell, Reading, Camberley and surrounding areas.
We understand how stressful a suspected infestation can be and aim to provide clear, straightforward advice and an appropriate treatment plan.
Contact Peace of Mind Pest Control for friendly, professional advice or to arrange a bed bug inspection.