Bed bugs are small, flat insects that often hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, skirting boards and cracks near where people sleep. They are about 5 mm long and may be dark yellow, red or brown. They do not fly. Bed bugs can be found in clean as well as cluttered homes, so an infestation is not a sign of poor hygiene.
How do bed bugs infest a property?
- Enter the property on infested second-hand furniture from another property or charity shop.
- In luggage after staying in infested accommodation.
- On clothing after travelling on public transport.
- Carried on visitors from an infested property, they can be on their clothes, bags or other items.
Signs to look for
- Live bed bugs, shed skins or tiny pale eggs around mattress seams and bed joints.
- Small dark brown or black spots on mattresses, bed frames, skirting boards or furniture.
- Small blood spots or smears on sheets and pillowcases.
- Raised, itchy bites, often in a line or cluster on skin exposed while sleeping.
Remember: bites alone do not confirm bed bugs. Look for physical signs and, if you are unsure, ask for advice.
What to do now
- Report it early. Contact us and explain what you have seen, where you found it and when.
- Avoid visiting other residents and communal areas, particularly if you live in Independent Living or a block. Be cautious in allowing others to visit you.
- Keep affected items contained. Put laundry into sealed bags before moving it. Do not carry loose items through your home.
- Wash and dry safely. Wash affected bedding and clothing at 60°C and tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes where the care label allows.
- Vacuum carefully. Vacuum mattresses, bed frames and nearby floors, then seal and dispose of the vacuum contents outside.
- Follow treatment instructions. Professional treatment may require preparation and more than one visit.
What not to do
- Do not move to another room to sleep unless a pest professional tells you to; this can spread bed bugs.
- Do not put infested furniture in shared areas, corridors or communal bin stores.
- Do not bring second-hand beds or furniture indoors without checking them carefully.
- Do not use smoke bombs, foggers or unapproved chemicals, they can make it worse and cause bed bugs to move to other areas.
- Do not throw away furniture unless we or a professional advises it.
Caring for bites
Bed bug bites usually improve within about a week. Keep the area clean, avoid scratching and use a clean, cool damp cloth to reduce itching and swelling. A pharmacist can advise about suitable treatments. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if pain, itching or swelling remains severe or starts spreading. Call 999 for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue.
Getting professional help
Bed bugs are difficult to remove without professional treatment because they hide in very small spaces and may resist some insecticides. Call us to find out whether we will arrange treatment or what steps you may need to take. Keep appointments and follow all instructions so treatment has the best chance of working.
Trusted bed bug advice from NHS
Reduce the chance of bed bugs returning
- Check mattress seams and bed frames regularly.
- Reduce clutter around beds and keep floors clear.
- Inspect luggage and wash travel clothing after staying away.
- Check second-hand furniture carefully before bringing it inside.
- Report any new signs promptly.