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What are bedbugs?

There are two types. The most common type is the Cimex lectularius, also known as the common bedbug. They feed on blood from humans and other animals.

What do bedbugs look like?

Cimex lectularius are very small (around 2-5 mm long) oval insects. They do not have wings. They are reddish-brown in colour and are usually flat. However, they become more rounded and their colour changes to red/purple after they have had some blood.

Bedbug on skin

© Content Providers(s): CDC/Harvard University, Dr. Gary Alpert; Dr. Harold Harlan; Richard Pollack. Photo Credit: Piotr Naskrecki, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How to know if you have bedbugs

You may find the following signs of bedbugs:

• Developing itchy bites.

• You may be able to see the insects if you look for them. They are tiny but are visible to the naked eye.

• Seeing spots of blood on bedding.

• Noticing brown spots on bedding, from their excrement.

• A sweet almond odour may be noticeable if there are many bedbugs around.

There are different degrees of infestation with bedbugs. This can vary from light, causing one or two bites a week, through to heavy infestations where more than 50 bites per night occur.

Where are bedbugs found?

They can live in many different cracks and crevices in your home. For example, mattress seams, bed frames, within plug sockets, in clothing or in soft furnishings. Bedbugs can even be found hiding behind picture frames. They can move to different rooms, usually on clothing or furniture. They live in both clean and dirty environments. However, having high standards of hygiene and housekeeping can help to ensure that their presence is revealed at an early stage.

They are not usually seen in the daytime. They come out at night when they are attracted by the warmth of sleeping bodies and also the carbon dioxide in breath.

The adults can live for up to 18 months. They breed by laying eggs which hatch after around 10-20 days and take between 9-18 weeks to become adults. Females can lay around 300 eggs in their lifetime. The insects need blood to develop but can stay alive for as long as a year without feeding.

What causes a bedbug infestation?

Bedbugs might get into your home from somewhere else that was infested - they can be carried on clothes and bags. They can also travel between rooms in buildings that house more than one family, such as flats and hotels.

Do bedbugs cause diseases?

Although bedbugs have not been proven actually to cause any diseases, they are usually a nuisance. When you are sleeping they bite you to obtain your blood. As they bite they inject a substance which numbs the exposed skin so you are not usually aware of the bite. They feed on your skin for 2-10 minutes each time.

Rarely, people can develop a serious allergic reaction to the bite.

Sometimes the bites can become infected. The area around where you have been bitten may swell and become sore and reddened.

Having bedbugs can keep you from getting a good night's sleep, which, over time, can be bad for your health.

What does a bedbug bite look like?

Bed bug bites can be very itchy and irritating. The bites can vary from being very small red bite marks on your skin to larger red areas with some swelling around them. Three to four bites forming a line or a curve on your body are very suggestive of bedbug bites. The bites tend to be in areas which are exposed as you are sleeping - for example, your face, neck or arms.

Bedbug bites on face

© Original uploader was Andybrookestar at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How to treat bedbug bites

The bites usually improve without any treatment. If they are itchy, you can use a mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone cream. You can buy this over the counter from a pharmacy - the treatment of bedbug bites generally doesn't need to involve a visit to your GP. If your bites are particularly bothersome - for example, very itchy and keeping you awake at night - then antihistamines may be beneficial and can also be bought over the counter.

When to see a doctor about bedbug bites

If your bites become infected then antibiotics may be needed to clear up the infection. See your doctor if the redness around the bites is spreading or becoming very painful.

How to prevent bedbug bites

Bedbugs can live in furniture (though humans are the preferred host) so it is worth thoroughly checking any second-hand furniture that you buy. If staying in a hotel where you are concerned about bedbugs, consider putting your bag on a stand rather than on the floor, and keeping it away from the walls. If you have stayed anywhere that you are concerned may have bedbugs, wash all clothes as soon as you get home.

How to get rid of bedbugs

Wash affected bedding and clothing

Any affected bedding or clothes should be washed in a hot wash (at 60°C if possible). Tumble drying of affected linen or more delicate items has been shown to be effective. The tumble drier must be set to a hot temperature for at least half an hour. Also, freezing any affected materials has been shown to decontaminate infested clothing - this can be useful for clothing which would be damaged by a hot wash or a spell in the tumble dryer. Items have to be frozen for at least one week.

Wrap mattresses in plastic

Wrapping your mattress in plastic can prevent the insects from getting in. Any existing bedbugs which are trapped will eventually die.

If bites occur when you are on holiday then you should carefully inspect any hotel rooms for signs of infestation. It may be worth inspecting the beds before you unpack. If you are in an infested area, the insects can travel home with you on your clothing or luggage.

Call pest control

If you find your home is infested, always call a pest control expert. Your local pest control team should also be able to help to eradicate them by using an insecticide which is usually sprayed on and around the affected areas of your house. They usually use a combination of insecticides. This is usually a very effective method of bedbug control. In some cases, re-treatment at a later date is required. It is not safe to use these insecticides unless you are a trained professional.

Try contacting your local council which often has advice about pest control services. You can get further information and find a pest control expert from the British Pest Control Association. The US Environmental Protection Agency has produced some comprehensive information.