Expert shares 'tell-tale' 2am sign you could have bed bugs in your home
An expert has shared the 'red flag' signs you could be dealing with a bed bug infestation
A specialist is urging people to look out for a "tell-tale" sign that could indicate a bed bug infestation in their home. Bed bugs are tiny, flightless insects that survive on human blood and typically lurk near beds to remain close to their feeding source.
The British Association of Dermatologists states that bedbugs can turn up in the most spotless households. This happens simply because they only require a source of food.
Norman Smith, director and owner of Invicta Environmental, a pest control firm, is advising people to be alert for an odd almond-like scent which might signal the presence of bed bugs. This particular smell is frequently overlooked by people searching for more apparent indicators, such as bite marks or actually seeing the creatures.
He said: "When bedbugs have established themselves in large numbers, they release pheromones that create a musty, sweet almond smell. Many people don't connect this smell with bedbugs and might search for other causes like damp."
The specialist emphasised that bedbugs are experts at concealment and can prove extremely challenging to detect. He added: "Most people think they'll easily see bedbugs crawling around, but they're incredibly sneaky insects. Their flat bodies allow them to hide in the tiniest cracks and seams of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture."
Smith warned that the small insects have evolved to be particularly evasive, only emerging to feed when humans are deeply asleep and less likely to disturb them. He said: "Bedbugs typically feed for two to five minutes before retreating back to their hiding places. This usually happens between 2am and 5am when people are in their deepest sleep stage."
How to tell if you have bed bugs.
The pest control specialist also pointed out another peculiar indicator - rust-coloured marks on sheets and mattresses which aren't always linked to bedbugs. He said: "People often mistake these small brownish stains for dirt or other marks, but they're actually bedbug droppings. #".
"The dark brown or rust-coloured spots can stain bed linen and mattresses, and are a major red flag that bedbugs have moved in."
He noted that discovering blood spots on sheets serves as another crucial warning sign. He added: "After feeding, bedbugs can leave small blood spots behind. These aren't usually from the bite itself, but from the bedbug being squashed if you roll over in your sleep."
A distinctive bite pattern can also help in identifying a bedbug infestation. Smith continued: "If you notice bites in a straight line or clustered in a small area, this could be bedbugs.
"It's sometimes called the 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner' pattern because if a bedbug gets disturbed while feeding, it will move a short distance and try again."
What to do if you have bed bugs
The expert stressed that prompt action is critical for tackling bedbug problems. He explained: "Bedbugs reproduce extremely rapidly - a female can lay approximately 200 eggs in just five days. This means a small problem can quickly become a major infestation if not addressed immediately."
For anyone worried about a potential outbreak, Smith advised: "Strip the bed completely and check all seams and piping of the mattress. Don't forget to inspect the bed frame, particularly in corners and joints. Bedbugs can hide in the smallest cracks - as thin as a credit card."
Southampton City Council's pest control department warns that suspected or confirmed bedbug cases require immediate intervention, which proves both more affordable and simpler to manage. Once an outbreak has taken hold, professional exterminators become essential for proper eradication.
The Council further cautions that before pest control appointments, householders must avoid transferring belongings from contaminated areas to clean zones, as this risks spreading the problem throughout the property.
For anyone battling a verified outbreak, Smith urged washing all linens at elevated temperatures. He said: "Wash all bedding and clothing at 60°C if possible, as this temperature kills bedbugs and their eggs. Follow this with a hot tumble dry for at least 30 minutes."
The British Association of Dermatologistsconfirms this approach, stating that heat treatment such as washing at high temperatures (60°C) or tumble drying for at least 30 minutes can help kill bedbugs and their eggs.