Let's Talk Bedbugs

Bed bugs are one of those pests you never want to meet—but once they move in, they’re tough to evict. Here’s a simple guide to what they are, how to spot them, and what to do if you suspect an infestation.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on blood—mostly at night while you’re sleeping. They’re about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown in colour, and excellent at hiding in tiny cracks and crevices around beds and furniture.

They don’t spread disease in the way some pests do, but their bites can cause itching, irritation, and a lot of lost sleep and stress.

How to detect bed bugs

Because bed bugs are shy and sneaky, you’ll often notice the signs before you see the bugs themselves.

Common signs include:

• Bites on skin – small, red, itchy welts, sometimes in lines or clusters (always get any bites checked by a health professional if you’re unsure).

• Spots on bedding – tiny blood spots, or dark “ink-like” faecal spots on sheets, mattress seams, and bed frames.

• Shed skins & eggs – pale, empty shells or tiny white eggs in mattress seams, along bed slats, behind headboards or skirting boards.

• Musty odour – in heavy infestations you might notice a sweet, musty smell in bedrooms.

Grab a torch and check: mattress seams, piping and buttons, bed base, headboard (front and back), nearby furniture, edges of carpet, and behind pictures or power points close to the bed.

How to treat bed bugs

Bed bugs are stubborn. DIY sprays from the supermarket usually only kill the ones you see, not the eggs or those hiding deep in cracks.

Helpful steps:

• Call a professional pest controller – bed bugs need a thorough, targeted treatment plan. Professionals can identify all harbourage points and use the right products safely.

• Wash & dry bedding on hot – wash sheets, pillowcases and affected linen on a hot cycle and dry on high heat where possible.

• Declutter around beds – reduce hiding spots by clearing piles of clothes, boxes and clutter near sleeping areas.

• Avoid moving infested items – dragging mattresses and furniture through the house can spread bed bugs to new rooms.

If you catch them early and get proper treatment, you can get your home (and your sleep) back under control much faster. And if you’re unsure whether it’s bed bugs or something else, a professional inspection is always worth it for peace of mind. 🛏️🐜

Contact us on (02) 6852 1845.