Household pests
Bed bugs: how to identify them and get rid of them
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple pip that hide near beds and feed on blood at night. They are not known to spread disease, but they breed fast and are very hard to clear with shop products alone. Most infestations need a professional pest controller.
- Also known as
- Cimex lectularius
- Easily confused with
- carpet beetle larvae, fleas, booklice, cockroach nymphs
- How serious
- Moderate to high: not a disease risk, but fast-spreading and hard to clear
- Typical cost
- Professional treatment commonly runs from around 150 to 600 pounds depending on rooms and method
How to identify bed bugs
Adult bed bugs are 4 to 5mm long, flat and oval, and reddish-brown, turning rounder and darker after feeding. Eggs and young are much smaller and pale. You rarely see them in daylight because they hide in seams, frames and crevices.
The clearest signs are small dark spots (droppings) on the mattress, sheets and headboard, tiny blood smears on bedding, shed skins, and a sweet, musty smell in heavy infestations. According to the NHS, bites are often grouped in a line or cluster and may be itchy, but bites alone do not confirm bed bugs.
How serious is it?
Moderate to high: not a disease risk, but fast-spreading and hard to clear
The NHS states that bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but their bites can be itchy and distressing and may become infected if scratched. Some people have a stronger allergic reaction to bites.
The practical problem is that bed bugs reproduce quickly and spread between rooms and along shared walls in flats. Left untreated an infestation grows, which is why early, thorough action matters.
How to fix it yourself
- Wash bedding and affected clothing at 60 degrees, and tumble dry on a hot setting, to kill bugs and eggs.
- Put items that cannot be hot-washed in the freezer for several days.
- Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, headboard and surrounding floor thoroughly, then empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and bin it outside.
- Use a stiff brush along mattress seams to dislodge eggs before vacuuming.
- Do not move belongings or sleep in another room, as this can spread the infestation. Reduce clutter to remove hiding places.
When to call a professional
- The NHS advises contacting your local council or a professional pest controller if you still have bed bugs after trying to treat them, because they are very hard to remove.
- Any sizeable or established infestation, or one in a flat with shared walls, where professional heat or insecticide treatment is usually needed.
Who to call
- A BPCA or NPTA member pest controller, who can use heat treatment or professional insecticides.
- Your local council pest control service, which treats bed bugs in some areas (charges vary).
Indicative cost: Professional treatment commonly runs from around 150 to 600 pounds depending on rooms and method. Prices vary by area, severity and access, so always get a written quote.
Frequently asked questions
What do bed bug bites look like?
The NHS describes bed bug bites as often appearing in a line or cluster, sometimes itchy, and usually on skin exposed while sleeping such as the face, neck, arms and hands. Bites vary from person to person, and some people have no visible reaction, so bites alone do not confirm bed bugs.
Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
You can reduce numbers by hot-washing bedding, freezing items and thorough vacuuming, but the NHS notes bed bugs are hard to remove and advises calling your council or a pest controller if they persist. Most established infestations need professional treatment.
Do bed bugs spread disease?
The NHS states bed bugs are not known to spread disease. The main problems are itchy bites that may become infected if scratched, possible allergic reactions, and the distress and disruption of an infestation.
How did I get bed bugs?
Bed bugs usually arrive in luggage, second-hand furniture or clothing, or travel along shared walls and pipes between flats. They are not a sign of a dirty home and can affect any household.
Sources
Editor, HomesAndHedge
Oliver leads HomesAndHedge's editorial coverage of home and garden problems. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on pests, invasive plants, damp and mould, drainage and wildlife, drawing on guidance from bodies such as the Property Care Association, the RHS and the NHS, and is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026