How to Identify Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small (apple seed sized), flat, reddish-brown insects that hide in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards and nearby furniture. Signs of infestation: small blood stains on sheets, dark rusty spots (excrement) on the mattress, shed skins, a sweet musty odour, and itchy bites in lines or clusters — usually on exposed skin while sleeping.

Step-by-Step Treatment

  1. 1

    Strip and wash all bedding immediately

    Strip the bed completely. Seal bedding in a plastic bag before carrying through the house — this prevents spreading bugs. Wash everything at the hottest temperature the fabric allows (60°C minimum kills all life stages). Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Vacuum the entire bed, frame and surroundings

    Vacuum the mattress thoroughly — every seam, tufted button and edge. Vacuum the bed frame, headboard, surrounding floor, skirting boards and any nearby furniture. Immediately seal and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor bin. If bagless, empty into a sealed bag outside.

  3. 3

    Apply treatment to hiding spots

    Bed bugs hide in cracks, seams and gaps — not open surfaces. Effective treatments: Diatomaceous earth (food grade, available from hardware stores) — dust into cracks, along baseboards and in mattress seams. Kills by dehydrating the bugs. Safe for humans and pets. Residual insecticide sprays (permethrin or pyrethrin-based, labelled for bed bugs) — apply to bed frame, seams and baseboards. Do not spray directly on the mattress surface.

  4. 4

    Encase the mattress and box spring

    Purchase a bed bug-proof mattress encasement — a zip-up cover that traps any remaining bugs inside and prevents new ones from entering. Leave it on for at least a year. Any bugs trapped inside die eventually without feeding.

  5. 5

    Isolate the bed

    Move the bed away from walls. Use bed bug interceptors (plastic cups) under each bed leg — bugs cannot climb out of the smooth-sided cups, preventing them from reaching the bed from the floor and trapping them for monitoring.

  6. 6

    Repeat treatment in 10–14 days

    Eggs are resistant to most treatments. A second application 10–14 days later catches newly hatched nymphs before they mature and lay more eggs. Monitor with interceptor traps for 6 weeks to confirm elimination.

When to call a professionalIf the infestation is in multiple rooms, you have a heavy infestation, or DIY treatment has not worked after two rounds — call a licensed pest controller. Professional heat treatment (raising room temperature to 50°C+) kills all life stages including eggs in one treatment and is the most reliable method for severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily — encasing the mattress traps bugs inside where they eventually die, and allows you to keep using the bed. Only throw out a mattress if it is very heavily infested or damaged. Mark any discarded mattress clearly so others do not pick it up.
Bed bugs travel on luggage, clothing, used furniture and second-hand items. Hotels, public transport and cinemas are common sources. They do not indicate poor hygiene — anyone can get them. Inspect hotel mattresses when travelling (check seams and headboard), and inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it home.