Bed bugs are sneaky little pests, and by the time you realise they’ve moved in, they’ve likely been there for weeks. These tiny, blood-feeding insects can turn a peaceful night’s sleep into an itchy nightmare, but the good news? If you know what to look for, you can catch them early.
So, how do you know if bed bugs are lurking in your home? Here are ten telltale signs to watch out for—plus, what you can do about them.
Unexplained Itchy Bites
One of the first signs of a bed bug problem is waking up with red, itchy bites. These bites often appear in small clusters or a straight line, usually on areas of skin exposed while sleeping, such as arms, legs, and the neck. Unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites don’t have a central puncture point, and they tend to be more irritating over time.
Tiny Blood Stains on Your Sheets
Ever noticed small rust-coloured stains on your bed sheets or pillowcases? That could be blood from crushed bed bugs. Since these pests feed on blood, they sometimes get squashed after a feeding session—especially if you move around a lot in your sleep. These stains are usually small but can be a clear sign of an infestation.
A Rapidly Growing Infestation
Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and the different stages of a bed bugs life play a big role in how fast they spread. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, with nymphs hatching in just 6 to 10 days. These nymphs go through five moulting stages before reaching adulthood, feeding on blood at each stage. This rapid development means that a small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation in just a few weeks.
Dark Spots That Smear
Bed bug droppings appear as small, dark brown or black specks on bedding, mattresses, or furniture. If you wipe these spots with a damp cloth and they smear, that’s a sign they contain digested blood. These marks are often found near bed bug hiding spots, such as mattress seams, headboards, or cracks in furniture.
A Musty, Sweet Smell
A strong, musty odour in your bedroom that wasn’t there before? That could be the smell of bed bug pheromones. When bed bugs gather in large numbers, they release a scent that some describe as slightly sweet or musty, similar to coriander. If you notice this smell and can’t find another explanation, it’s time to investigate.
Shed Skins and Eggshells
Bed bugs go through multiple life stages as they mature, shedding their skins at each stage. These pale yellow husks are often found in hiding spots like mattress seams, furniture cracks, or even behind wallpaper. Alongside these, tiny white eggs (about the size of a pinhead) may also be present, indicating that bed bugs are actively breeding.
Live Bed Bugs (Yes, You Might See Them)
Though bed bugs are experts at hiding, you may still spot them if you look closely. They are small, flat, and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed. They tend to hide in mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards, and even inside electrical outlets. If you do find a live one, you can be sure there are more lurking nearby.
Irritated Pets Scratching More Than Usual
Bed bugs don’t just bite humans—they’ll also go after your pets. If your dog or cat suddenly starts scratching excessively but has no fleas, bed bugs could be to blame. They tend to bite animals around their belly, ears, or paws, where the fur is thinner. Check your pet’s bedding for signs of infestation too.
Tiny White Eggs in Hidden Spots
Female bed bugs lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, and they prefer to do so in hidden crevices. These eggs are white, oval-shaped, and extremely small, making them difficult to spot without a magnifying glass. Common hiding places include mattress seams, furniture joints, and inside wall cracks.
Small Holes or Tears in Fabric
While bed bugs don’t chew through fabric like moths, they can cause small tears in bedding, mattress covers, and upholstery as they move around. If you notice unexplained damage to your bed linens or furniture, it might be worth inspecting further.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t panic—but do act fast. Here’s what you can do:
- Deep clean your bedding and clothing: Wash everything on a hot cycle (at least 60°C) and tumble dry on high heat to kill bed bugs at all life stages.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Focus on mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards, and carpets. Empty the vacuum outside immediately.
- Use a bed bug-proof mattress cover: These encasements trap any bugs inside, preventing them from feeding and eventually killing them.
- Declutter your bedroom: Bed bugs love hiding in small crevices, so reducing clutter limits their hiding spots.
- Call a professional: DIY methods can help, but for full eradication, professional pest control is often the best option.
Stay Vigilant to Keep Bed Bugs at Bay
Bed bugs are persistent, but catching them early makes all the difference. If you notice itchy bites, strange stains, or even live bugs, take action immediately. The faster you respond, the easier it is to prevent a full-scale infestation. Stay alert, inspect your home regularly, and make sure these unwelcome guests don’t make themselves at home.
