Bed bugs are small but persistent parasites that hide in cracks, furniture seams, and bedding, feeding on human blood during the night. Their rapid reproduction makes them difficult to contain without professional help—each female can lay up to five eggs per day, quickly turning a minor issue into a full-blown infestation. Early detection is critical to avoid health risks such as allergic reactions, sleep disturbance, and skin infections.

Common signs of a bed bug infestation include small, reddish-brown spots on sheets or mattresses—these may be faecal stains or crushed bugs. You might also notice itchy, clustered bites on exposed skin, particularly after sleeping. A musty, sweet odour in heavily infested rooms can also indicate their presence. Check mattress seams, headboards, furniture joints, and even electrical outlets for live bugs or eggs, which are tiny, white, and oval-shaped.

Look out for these signs of a bed bug problem in your home:

• Red, itchy bites in a line or cluster

• Tiny black spots (faecal matter) on bedding and mattresses

• Light brown egg shells or shed nymph skins

• A sweet, musty odour near bed frames

• Live bugs hiding in mattress seams, cracks, or furniture joints

Because bed bugs are excellent at hiding and spreading, DIY sprays often miss the mark. Only professional Bed Bug Control London using targeted treatments can effectively eradicate the colony and prevent re-infestation.