Early Signs of Bed Bugs: What to Look For and When to Act

Early Signs of Bed Bugs: What to Look For and When to Act

Bed bugs are a growing issue for households across the UK, and they often go unnoticed until the infestation is well established. At GEM Services, we understand how distressing a bed bug problem can be, but with early detection, you can act quickly and avoid a much larger issue.

In this guide, we’ll break down the earliest signs of bed bugs, where to check, and when to contact a professional pest control service.

1. Unexplained Bites – Especially at Night

One of the first things many people notice is small, red, itchy bites, usually in lines or clusters. These often appear after sleeping and may be mistaken for other insect bites. If you notice bites that weren’t there the night before, especially in areas like arms, legs, neck, or back, bed bugs could be the cause.

2. Tiny Blood Spots on Bedding

After feeding, bed bugs can leave behind small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases. These spots may look like pinpricks or small smears and often go unnoticed unless you're actively looking for them.

3. Black Dots or Specks – Bed Bug Droppings

Bed bug droppings look like tiny black dots, often found around the edges of mattresses, headboards, skirting boards, and even plug sockets. If you spot what looks like pepper dust in these areas, it’s worth investigating further.

4. Shed Skins and Eggs

Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons as they grow. These casings look like pale, translucent shells, usually found in mattress seams or furniture cracks. Eggs are harder to see: they’re tiny (about 1mm) and white, often laid in crevices and fabrics.

5. Musty Odour

In more established infestations, a strong, musty or sweet odour can be detected, often likened to coriander. This comes from bed bug pheromones and is more noticeable in enclosed areas with heavy activity.

6. Seeing Live Bugs

Finally, the most obvious (and alarming) sign is spotting the bugs themselves. Adult bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped, and brown - about the size of an apple seed. They typically hide in cracks, mattress seams, under furniture, or behind headboards.

When to Call a Professional

The earlier you act, the easier it is to eradicate the problem. DIY treatments rarely kill the whole infestation and often allow bed bugs to scatter and spread. At GEM Services, we use discreet, effective treatments tailored to your home.

If you're unsure whether you're dealing with bed bugs, contact us today. We’ll assess the issue and advise the best course of action, with no obligation.