How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Signs, Causes & Treatment

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood and can quickly become a frustrating problem inside homes, flats, hotels and other properties. They are excellent at hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, carpets and small cracks, which means an infestation can grow before you realise what is happening.

If you have noticed itchy bites, blood spots on your sheets, dark marks around your mattress or small insects hiding near your bed, you may be dealing with a bed bug infestation. The good news is that bed bugs can be eliminated with the right treatment. Early identification, careful cleaning, and professional pest control can help stop the infestation from spreading.

In this guide, we explain how to get rid of bed bugs, the common signs of bed bugs, how they enter homes, where they hide, what attracts them and when professional bed bug treatment is the best option. If you are already dealing with an established infestation, Reading Pest Controllers provides professional bed bug extermination in Reading using heat-based treatment methods.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects known scientifically as Cimex lectularius. Adult bed bugs are usually around the size of an apple seed. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies and are normally reddish-brown, becoming darker after feeding.

Bed bugs cannot fly or jump. Instead, they crawl quickly and use tiny cracks and gaps to move between hiding places.

They are mainly active at night when people are resting. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, which helps them locate a person to feed on.

Common places where bed bugs hide include:

• Mattress seams and edges
• Bed frames and headboards
• Box springs and divan bases
• Sofas and upholstered chairs
• Skirting boards
• Cracks in walls and furniture
• Behind loose wallpaper
• Carpet edges
• Curtain folds
• Luggage and travel bags
• Secondhand mattresses and furniture

Although bed bugs are commonly associated with beds, they do not necessarily stay on the mattress. As an infestation becomes larger, they can spread to furniture and other areas around the room.

10 Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Home

Knowing the signs of bed bugs can help you identify an infestation before it becomes widespread.

1. Small Red or Itchy Bites

Bed bug bites are one of the most commonly noticed symptoms of an infestation.

Some people develop small red, itchy bumps after being bitten, while others may have little or no visible reaction. Bites can occur on exposed areas such as the arms, legs, neck, shoulders and face.

However, bites alone cannot confirm bed bugs because other insects can cause similar skin reactions.

Look for additional evidence around your bed and furniture.

2. Blood Spots on Bedding

Small reddish or rust-coloured marks on your sheets can be another warning sign.

These spots may appear when a bed bug is accidentally crushed after feeding. Check your pillowcases, sheets and mattress cover carefully, especially if you regularly wake up with unexplained bites.

3. Dark Brown or Black Droppings

Bed bugs leave small dark faecal marks where they hide.

These marks can look like tiny black dots or ink stains and may be found around:

• Mattress seams
• Bed frames
• Headboards
• Furniture joints
• Skirting boards
• Upholstered furniture

If you repeatedly find small dark marks around your sleeping area, investigate further.

4. Shed Bed Bug Skins

Bed bugs shed their outer skins as they grow.

These pale, translucent skins can sometimes be found around mattress seams, cracks, furniture joints and other hiding places.

Finding several shed skins can indicate that bed bugs have been living and developing nearby.

5. Tiny Eggs or Eggshells

Bed bug eggs are extremely small and can be difficult to see without close inspection.

They may be found in cracks, crevices and other protected areas close to where bed bugs are hiding.

A combination of eggs, shed skins, faecal marks and live insects is a much stronger indication of an infestation than bites alone.

6. Live Bed Bugs

Finding a live bed bug is one of the clearest signs of an infestation.

Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown and oval-shaped, while younger nymphs are smaller and lighter in colour.

Use a torch to carefully inspect mattress seams, the underside of the bed, headboard joints and nearby furniture.

7. A Musty Smell

Larger infestations can sometimes produce a noticeable musty or unpleasant odour.

The smell may be more obvious in heavily infested rooms where large numbers of bed bugs are present.

However, odour alone should not be used to diagnose an infestation.

8. Bed Bugs Around Furniture

As the infestation grows, bed bugs may move away from the bed and establish hiding places in nearby furniture.

Check sofas, chairs, bedside tables, wardrobes and other furniture close to the sleeping area.

9. Bites That Appear After Sleeping

If you repeatedly wake up with unexplained itchy marks but do not notice them during the day, inspect your bedroom carefully.

The timing can provide a useful clue, although skin reactions vary from person to person.

10. Bed Bugs in Luggage or Clothing

Bed bugs can be transported from one location to another in luggage, bags and clothing.

If you recently travelled or stayed somewhere with an infestation and then started noticing signs at home, inspect your luggage and sleeping areas.

What Causes Bed Bug Infestations?

One of the biggest misconceptions about bed bugs is that they only live in dirty or poorly maintained homes.

This is not true.

Bed bugs can infest clean homes, hotels, flats, offices and other properties. They are usually introduced into a property by travelling or through infested belongings.

Common ways bed bugs enter homes include:

Travel

Bed bugs can hide in hotel rooms, hostels, transport and luggage.

They may crawl into suitcases, backpacks or clothing and then be carried home.

Secondhand Furniture

Used beds, mattresses, sofas and other upholstered furniture can contain hidden bed bugs.

Always inspect secondhand furniture carefully before bringing it into your home.

Visitors

Visitors can unintentionally bring bed bugs into a property through bags, coats and other belongings.

Shared Accommodation

Flats and other multi-unit properties can sometimes experience problems when bed bugs move between adjoining areas.

Moving House

Bed bugs can be transported in furniture, boxes, clothing and personal belongings when moving between properties.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs prefer dark, protected areas close to their food source.

During an inspection, pay particular attention to:

• Mattress piping and seams
• Under the mattress
• Bed frame joints
• Headboards
• Divan bases
• Bedside furniture
• Sofas and chairs
• Carpet edges
• Skirting boards
• Cracks in walls
• Behind loose wallpaper
• Electrical and furniture gaps
• Curtains and fabric folds

As the infestation becomes more established, bed bugs can move further away from the bed.

This is one reason why simply treating the mattress may not solve the problem.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

If you are searching for how to get rid of bed bugs, it is important to understand that successful treatment requires more than simply spraying a visible insect.

Bed bugs can hide in tiny gaps, and eggs can remain protected from some treatment methods.

Here is a practical approach.

Step 1: Confirm That You Have Bed Bugs

Before treating the property, try to confirm what pest you are dealing with.

Inspect:

• Mattress seams
• Bed frame
• Headboard
• Nearby furniture
• Skirting boards
• Bedding

Look for live insects, shed skins, eggs and dark faecal marks.

If you are unsure, professional identification can prevent you from treating the wrong pest.

Step 2: Avoid Moving to Another Room

If you discover bed bugs in your bedroom, moving to another bedroom or sleeping on the sofa may seem like a good solution.

It can actually make the problem harder to control.

Bed bugs may follow their food source and spread to new areas.

Keep the infestation contained as much as possible until you have a treatment plan.

Step 3: Wash and Dry Bedding

Remove bedding, clothing and washable fabrics from the affected room.

Wash items according to their care instructions and use a suitable high-temperature drying cycle where the material allows it.

Heat can be an effective way of killing bed bugs and their eggs on washable items when the appropriate temperature and exposure time are achieved.

Place cleaned items in sealed bags or containers so they do not become re-infested.

Step 4: Vacuum Carefully

Use a vacuum cleaner around:

• Mattress seams
• Bed frames
• Floors
• Carpet edges
• Skirting boards
• Upholstered furniture

Vacuuming can remove visible insects and debris, but it should not be considered a complete treatment on its own.

Empty the vacuum outside immediately and dispose of the contents securely.

Step 5: Reduce Clutter

Remove unnecessary items from around the bed.

Clutter provides additional hiding places and makes it harder to inspect and treat the room properly.

Do not move potentially infested belongings into another room.

Step 6: Consider Professional Heat Treatment

Professional heat treatment is one of the treatment options used for bed bug infestations.

Reading Pest Controllers specifically offers heat-based bed bug treatment in Reading, designed to eliminate bed bugs from beds, furniture and carpets.

Professional treatment is particularly useful when bed bugs have spread into multiple hiding places or when previous DIY attempts have failed.

Step 7: Treat Hiding Places

A professional treatment plan may target areas where bed bugs hide, including cracks, furniture joints, bed frames, carpets and other affected areas.

The exact treatment method should depend on the size and location of the infestation.

Step 8: Monitor the Property

Do not assume the problem has disappeared simply because you stop seeing live bugs immediately after treatment.

Continue checking the affected areas for signs of activity.

If new signs appear, further treatment may be necessary.

Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself?

Small or newly discovered infestations may encourage homeowners to try DIY methods first.

Cleaning, vacuuming, washing bedding and reducing clutter can all support treatment.

However, bed bugs are difficult to eliminate because they can hide in areas that are difficult to access.

DIY treatment can also fail when:

• Only the mattress is treated
• Hidden bugs are missed
• Eggs remain untreated
• Infested furniture is moved around the home
• The wrong insecticide is used
• Treatment is stopped too early
• The infestation has spread to several rooms

Using excessive insecticide or combining different chemicals can also create unnecessary risks.

If you cannot locate the source of the infestation or the problem continues after treatment, professional help is usually the safer and more effective option.

When Should You Call a Professional Bed Bug Exterminator?

Consider professional bed bug treatment in Reading if:

• You continue finding live bed bugs
• The infestation has spread to more than one room
• You keep getting unexplained bites
• DIY treatment has failed
• You cannot locate all hiding places
• Bed bugs have entered furniture or carpets
• You live in a flat or shared building
• You are worried about spreading the infestation
• You need a faster and more systematic treatment approach

Professional pest control can identify the extent of the infestation and select an appropriate treatment method.

Reading Pest Controllers lists bed bug extermination among its specialist services and says its treatments use safe heat-based solutions. The company also advertises free consultations, certified technicians, same-day pest control and a minimum 3-month warranty across its services.

Professional Bed Bug Treatment in Reading

If you have found bed bugs in your home, delaying treatment can give the infestation more time to spread.

Reading Pest Controllers provides bed bug extermination in Reading for homeowners and businesses. The company’s service uses heat-based treatment to target bed bugs in areas such as beds, furniture and carpets.

A professional visit can help determine:

1. Whether bed bugs are present
2. Which rooms are affected
3. Where the insects are hiding
4. How extensive the infestation is
5. Which treatment approach is appropriate
6. What steps should be taken to prevent the problem returning

For professional help, contact Reading Pest Controllers to discuss your infestation and arrange an inspection.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Once you have dealt with an infestation, prevention is important.

You can reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home by following these precautions.

Inspect Hotel Rooms

When travelling, check the mattress seams, headboard and areas around the bed before unpacking. Keep luggage away from the bed where practical.

Inspect Secondhand Furniture

Never assume a used mattress, sofa or bed is pest-free. Inspect seams, joints, underneath surfaces and hidden gaps before bringing furniture inside.

Check Luggage After Travelling

After returning home, inspect luggage carefully. Wash suitable clothing and use an appropriate high-temperature drying cycle where the fabric allows.

Avoid Bringing Infested Items Indoors

If furniture or belongings are suspected of containing bed bugs, do not simply move them into another room. Doing so can spread the infestation.

Keep Bedrooms Clutter-Free

Reducing clutter makes inspections easier and removes potential hiding places.

Inspect Regularly After an Infestation

If you have previously experienced bed bugs, check your bedroom regularly for early warning signs. Early detection can make professional treatment easier.

Bed Bugs vs Fleas: What’s the Difference?

Bed bugs and fleas can both cause itchy bites, but they behave differently.

Bed bugs usually hide around beds, furniture, and cracks close to where people sleep. They crawl and do not jump.

Fleas can jump and are often associated with pets, carpets and upholstered areas.

If you are unsure which pest is causing the problem, identification is important before choosing a treatment. If you suspect fleas instead, see our guide on flea infestation in the home.

What About Other Pest Problems?

A property can sometimes experience more than one type of pest problem.

For example, homeowners dealing with rodents may notice droppings, scratching sounds, or activity inside walls.

If you are concerned about rodents, our guide on how to get rid of mice in walls and ceilings provides further information.

You can also learn how to safely deal with mouse droppings if you have discovered signs of mice around your property.

Don’t Let Bed Bugs Take Over Your Home

Bed bugs rarely disappear without intervention. The earlier you identify the problem, the easier it can be to prevent the infestation from spreading to additional rooms and furniture.

If you have noticed bed bug bites, dark marks, blood spots, shed skins or live insects, do not ignore the signs.

Start by checking your sleeping area carefully, avoid moving potentially infested belongings around the property, and consider professional treatment if the infestation is established or DIY methods have failed.

For homeowners and businesses looking for bed bug treatment in Reading, Reading Pest Controllers provides professional heat-based bed bug extermination and pest control services.

Think you have bed bugs? Get professional help before the infestation spreads. Contact Reading Pest Controllers today to discuss your pest problem and arrange an inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Look for live insects, dark faecal marks, shed skins, eggs and small blood spots around your mattress and bed frame. Bites can also occur, but bites alone are not enough to confirm an infestation.

2. What do bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are small, flat and oval-shaped with a reddish-brown colour. They are roughly similar in size to an apple seed, although younger bed bugs are smaller and lighter.

3. Where do bed bugs hide during the day?

Bed bugs usually hide in dark, protected areas such as mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, furniture joints, cracks, skirting boards and carpet edges.

4. Do bed bugs only live in dirty homes?

No. Bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene. They can infest clean homes, hotels, flats and other properties. They are usually introduced through luggage, clothing, furniture or other belongings.

5. Can bed bugs live in clothes?

Yes. Bed bugs can hide in clothing, bags and other belongings, particularly when these items are stored close to an infestation.

6. Can bed bugs travel from one room to another?

Yes. Bed bugs can move between rooms, especially when an infestation becomes established. Moving infested furniture, clothing, or bedding can also spread them.

7. Do bed bugs jump or fly?

No. Bed bugs do not fly or jump. They crawl and can move through very small gaps and cracks.

8. What kills bed bugs?

Heat can kill bed bugs when sufficient temperature and exposure time are achieved. Professional treatment may use heat-based methods and other targeted techniques depending on the infestation.

9. Can I get rid of bed bugs with a spray?

Some insecticides can kill bed bugs, but spraying visible insects does not necessarily eliminate an infestation. Bed bugs can hide in cracks, furniture and other inaccessible areas, while eggs may remain protected.

10. long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

The time required depends on the size of the infestation, the areas affected and the treatment method used. Professional treatment can be considerably more systematic than repeated DIY applications, but monitoring may still be necessary.

11. Can bed bugs come back after treatment?

Yes, particularly if some insects or eggs remain or if new bed bugs are introduced into the property. Following professional advice and taking preventative measures can reduce the chance of recurrence.

12. Do bed bugs spread disease?

Bed bugs are not generally regarded as an important source of disease transmission to humans, but their bites can cause itching, skin irritation and disturbed sleep. Scratching bites can also damage the skin.

13. Can I get bed bugs from a hotel?

Yes. Bed bugs can be transported from infested accommodation in luggage, clothing and personal belongings. Inspect your room when travelling and check your luggage after returning home.

14. Should I throw away my mattress if I have bed bugs?

Not necessarily. Throwing away furniture without treating the wider infestation can allow bed bugs to remain elsewhere in the room. A professional assessment can help determine whether an item can be treated safely.

15. How much does bed bug treatment cost in Reading?

The cost depends on factors such as the size of the property, number of affected rooms and extent of the infestation. The best way to get an accurate price is to request an assessment and quote from a professional pest control company.