Bed bugs are small insects that can hide in a mattress, bed frame and nearby furniture. If you are concerned about them, start by looking for the insects and several signs together. An unexplained bite or mark on the bedding is a reason to check, but does not by itself prove that bed bugs are present.
What do bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs are about 5 mm long. They may look dark yellow, reddish or brown. Because they are small and can hide in narrow spaces, you may see traces of them before you spot an insect. If you find a bug and are unsure what it is, a pest control professional can help identify it.
The NHS guide to bed bugs includes a photograph showing their size and appearance.
Signs to check on and around the bed
Look carefully at your bedding, mattress seams, bed frame and nearby furniture for:
- Small spots of blood on sheets or bedding. These may be from a bite or a squashed insect.
- Small brown spots on bedding or furniture.
- Bed bugs themselves in seams, joints or other sheltered places.
- Bites, often on skin exposed while sleeping. They can be itchy and grouped together, but bites alone cannot confirm the cause.
Use good light and inspect accessible areas without damaging the mattress or dismantling anything you cannot safely reassemble. Bed bugs can also hide in clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper, so a clear mattress surface does not rule them out.
What should you do if you suspect bed bugs?
Contact your local council or a professional pest control service for identification and advice on treating the whole affected area. The NHS advice explains that getting rid of bed bugs yourself can be difficult and gives guidance on bedding and clothing. Follow the pest controller’s instructions for preparing the room, handling belongings and any follow-up treatment.
Do not assume that replacing the mattress will solve the problem if bed bugs remain in the frame or surrounding room. Avoid applying unapproved powders, sprays or heat to your mattress; treatment must be appropriate for both the infestation and the materials involved.
If bites are painful, swollen or very itchy, a pharmacist can advise. The NHS recommends seeing a GP if symptoms remain severe after trying pharmacy treatment or if pain or swelling spreads.
If a mattress needs replacing
Ask the pest control service how and when to move or dispose of an affected mattress without spreading the infestation. Check the requirements of any collection service before arranging removal. If you later need a replacement, explore our mattresses or book a showroom visit once the treatment and delivery arrangements are clear.
