What Are Bed Bugs? How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat an Infestation
If you’ve ever woken up with itchy red bites or noticed tiny dark spots on your mattress, you may be dealing with an unwelcome guest: bed bugs. These small but persistent pests can disrupt sleep, damage bedding, and quickly spread if not addressed. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what bed bugs are, how to identify them, and most importantly — how to keep them out of your bed.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. About the size of an apple seed, they are nocturnal, meaning they come out mostly at night to feed — usually while you’re sleeping.
They don’t fly or jump, but they can crawl rapidly and hide in the smallest crevices — including seams of mattresses, bed frames, headboards, furniture joints, baseboards, and even behind wallpaper.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs are not a sign of dirtiness — they can infest the cleanest homes, hotels, or public places. Common sources of infestation include:
Travel – They hitch rides on luggage, clothing, or handbags.
Used furniture – Mattresses, bed frames, and sofas from second-hand shops or skips may be infested.
Shared spaces – Apartments, dorms, or hotels where infestations can spread room-to-room.
Visitors – They can be carried in by guests who’ve been exposed elsewhere.
Signs You May Have Bed Bugs
Here’s what to watch for:
🛏️ Bites – Small, red, itchy bumps often in a line or cluster on arms, legs, neck, or back.
🩸 Blood spots – Tiny smears or dots of blood on sheets or pillowcases from crushed bugs.
⚫ Fecal stains – Dark brown or black dots (bed bug droppings) around mattress seams, corners, or skirting boards.
🪳 Exoskeletons – Shed skins that look like small translucent bugs.
🔍 Musty smell – Larger infestations may produce a sweet, musty odour from their scent glands.
Bed Bug Life Cycle
Bed bugs lay up to 5 eggs per day, and their eggs are nearly invisible — sticky and white, tucked away in seams and cracks. In about 5–6 weeks, a population can grow rapidly from a few bugs to hundreds if left untreated.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
✅ Inspect mattresses and bed frames regularly, especially seams and joints.
✅ Use a protective mattress encasement that seals bugs out (or in).
✅ Avoid bringing in used mattresses or furniture unless professionally inspected or treated.
✅ Vacuum frequently, especially under beds and around skirting boards.
✅ Be cautious when travelling – inspect hotel beds, keep luggage off the floor, and wash clothes on high heat when returning home.
What to Do If You Have Bed Bugs
If you suspect an infestation:
Don’t panic — and don’t move the bed or furniture around (this spreads them).
Deep clean and vacuum thoroughly, focusing on all nearby cracks and soft furnishings.
Wash all bedding, clothing, and curtains on high heat (above 60°C) and tumble dry.
Use bed bug-specific sprays or diatomaceous earth, available at most hardware or pest control shops.
Call a licensed pest control expert if the problem persists — professional heat treatment may be needed.
How We Help You Stay Bug-Free
At [Your Store Name], we understand how important clean sleep is — which is why:
Our mattresses and beds are crafted with sealed stitching and solid construction to reduce hiding spots.
We offer mattress protectors that act as a barrier against pests, dust mites, and spills.
All upholstered items are professionally treated and sealed before delivery.
We never resell used or returned mattresses — every item is fresh and hygienic, guaranteed.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs are an inconvenience, but not unbeatable. With proper awareness, early detection, and safe sleeping surfaces, you can avoid the nightmare of an infestation altogether.
If you’re upgrading your bed or mattress, consider one of our well-sealed, durable designs — and don’t forget to add a protector for peace of mind.
👉 Explore Our Bed Bug-Resistant Bedding & Protectors
Have any questions or concerns about mattress hygiene? Our team is here to help.
