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What are bed bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood, usually at night while people sleep. They don’t spread disease, but they can cause distress, sleeplessness, skin irritation and significant disruption if left undetected.

Why bed bugs are so hard to spot

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. During the day, they squeeze into cracks and crevices close to where people sleep, such as:

 

Once they find a safe hiding place, bed bugs release a scent that attracts others, allowing infestations to grow quietly over time.

Mattress seams and bed frames

Mattress seams and bed frames

Headboards and bedside furniture

Headboards and bedside furniture

Skirting boards, wall cracks and flooring

Skirting boards, wall cracks and flooring

Sofas, chairs and even luggage

Sofas, chairs and even luggage

bed bug biology & behaviour

Their Life Cycle (and Why Early Detection Matters)

Bed bugs start life as tiny eggs that hatch within 1–2 weeks. They then pass through several growth stages before becoming adults. At every growth stage, they require a blood meal to progress to the next stage. An adult female can lay hundreds of eggs in just a few months, meaning populations can grow rapidly

Crucially, bed bugs can survive for many months, even up to a year, without feeding, which means they can remain hidden long after you think a problem has gone away.

 

bed-bugs-lifecycle

Common Signs of Bed Bugs

You might notice:

However, early infestations often show no obvious signs, which is why monitoring is so important.

 

Small dark spots on bedding or furniture

Shed skins near beds or sofas

Unexplained itchy bites, often in lines or clusters

A faint musty smell in heavier infestations

While bed bugs don’t transmit disease, they can have a real impact:

Because of stigma, many people delay seeking help allowing infestations to grow.

 

Itchy bites and 
skin reactions

Itchy bites and 
skin reactions

Embarrassment, anxiety, and loss 
of sleep

Embarrassment, anxiety, and loss 
of sleep

Disruption to daily 
life and routines

Disruption to daily 
life and routines

Damage to belongings 
and furniture

Damage to belongings 
and furniture

When to Contact a Professional

 

You should content a licensed pest management professional if:

Early professional involvement can prevent spread, reduce costs and bring peace of mind.

 

You suspect bed bugs but aren’t sure

You are regularly finding new bites, particularly on the face, shoulders and other areas of skin exposed when you are sleeping

You find bugs, skins or spotting near sleeping areas

Monitoring devices indicate activity

Prevention and Peace of Mind

Bed bugs often arrive unknowingly via luggage, visitors, shared laundry facilities or second-hand furniture.
Regular monitoring, especially after travel or guests, helps catch problems early and provides reassurance that your home is protected.
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