Waking up with itchy red marks and a nagging feeling that something is not right is unsettling. Bed bugs are small, good at hiding and easy to bring home without realising. The good news is that they leave clear clues, and the sooner you spot them, the easier they are to deal with. This guide explains what to look for, where to check, and what to do next if you live in Southampton, across Hampshire or anywhere in the South of England.
What bed bugs look like
Adult bed bugs are flat, oval and reddish brown, roughly the size of an apple pip. After feeding they swell and look darker and more rounded. Young bed bugs (nymphs) are smaller and paler, almost translucent, which makes them harder to see. Eggs are tiny, white and usually tucked into seams and cracks.
Bed bugs do not fly or jump. They crawl, and they prefer to stay close to where people sleep or sit for long periods.
The most common signs of bed bugs
1. Bites, often in lines or clusters
Bed bug bites usually appear on skin that is exposed while you sleep, such as arms, shoulders, neck and legs. They are often grouped in a line or small cluster. However, bites alone are not proof. Some people do not react to bites at all, and other insects, including fleas, can leave similar marks. Always look for physical evidence as well.
2. Small blood spots on bedding
Tiny rust-coloured or red spots on sheets, pillowcases or mattress covers can appear when a fed bed bug is accidentally squashed during the night.
3. Dark droppings
Bed bug droppings look like small black or dark brown dots, a bit like marks from a felt-tip pen. They often collect along mattress seams, on the bed frame, behind the headboard and on nearby furniture.
4. Shed skins and eggs
As bed bugs grow, they shed their skins. These pale, empty shells are a strong sign of an established infestation, especially when you find them alongside droppings.
5. Live bugs
Seeing a live bed bug is the clearest sign of all. They are most active at night, so a torch check in the early hours can be revealing.
6. A musty smell
In heavier infestations, some people notice a sweetish, musty odour in the bedroom. This is not always present, so do not rely on it.
Where to check
Bed bugs hide in narrow gaps close to their food source. Work methodically and use a torch:
- Mattress seams, piping, labels and the underside of the mattress
- Bed frame joints, slats and screw holes
- Behind the headboard
- Bedside tables, drawers and their joints
- Skirting boards and edges of carpets near the bed
- Behind loose wallpaper, picture frames and plug sockets (look only, do not open sockets)
- Sofas, armchairs and cushions, particularly if someone sleeps on them
- Luggage, bags and clothing left on the floor
If you are not sure what you have found, take a clear photo and send it to us on WhatsApp. We are happy to take a look and tell you what it is likely to be.
How bed bugs get into homes
Bed bugs are hitchhikers. They are not a sign of a dirty home. They travel in luggage, bags, clothing and second-hand furniture, and can move between neighbouring rooms or flats. Southampton is a busy port and university city with plenty of travellers, students and rented accommodation, and the wider Hampshire area, Dorset and London are no different. Hotels, holiday lets, shared houses and blocks of flats can all be affected, and a single trip can be enough to bring them home.
What to do next if you think you have bed bugs
Do
- Confirm it. Look for droppings, skins or live bugs, and take photos.
- Wash and dry bedding hot. Wash bedding and clothes from the affected room on a hot cycle and tumble dry on high heat where the fabric allows.
- Bag items up. Put washed items in sealed bags so they are not re-infested.
- Vacuum carefully. Vacuum around the bed and seams, then empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and put it in an outside bin.
- Reduce clutter around the bed so there are fewer hiding places.
- Get professional advice early. Bed bugs breed steadily, and a small problem is quicker to clear than a large one.
Do not
- Do not move to another room to sleep. This can spread bed bugs around the house.
- Do not throw out furniture straight away. Dragging an infested mattress through the house can spread bugs, and it may not be necessary.
- Do not rely on shop-bought sprays and foggers. They often miss bugs and eggs hidden deep in cracks and can scatter them into new areas.
- Do not take items to friends or family until the problem has been treated.
Why heat treatment works on bed bugs
Bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive sustained high temperatures. Our bed bug heat treatment raises the temperature of the affected room or property to between 56°C and 60°C and holds it there, so the heat reaches into mattresses, furniture, cracks and gaps where bed bugs hide. Because it reaches eggs as well as adult bugs, it tackles every life stage in one process, without soaking your home in chemicals.
Heat treatment is also effective against fleas, moths, carpet beetles and cockroaches. You can read more about how it works on our heat treatment page.
For whole-property heat treatments, we offer a guarantee of up to 6 months, giving you peace of mind once the job is done.
Local help in Southampton, Hampshire and beyond
Dr Pest Solutions is based in Southampton and covers around 100 miles, including Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, London and Croydon. Find out more about our pest control in Southampton.
We are open Monday to Saturday, 7am to 8pm, with emergency call-outs on Sundays. Quotes are free. Call us on 07526 693328, send photos on WhatsApp, or request a free quote online.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
Yes. Adult bed bugs are visible, roughly the size of an apple pip. Nymphs and eggs are much smaller and paler, so a torch and a careful look along seams helps.
Are bed bug bites dangerous?
Bed bug bites are itchy and uncomfortable, and some people react more than others. If you have a strong reaction or are worried, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Do bed bugs mean my home is dirty?
No. Bed bugs feed on blood, not dirt or food waste. They can turn up in very clean homes and hotels, usually carried in on luggage, clothing or furniture.
Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
Washing, drying and vacuuming help reduce numbers, but bed bugs and their eggs hide deep in cracks that DIY products often miss. Professional treatment gives the best chance of clearing them fully.
How hot does heat treatment get?
We heat the treated area to between 56°C and 60°C, a temperature bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive when it is sustained.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes, for whole-property heat treatments we offer a guarantee of up to 6 months.
How much does bed bug treatment cost?
Every property is different, so we provide free, no-obligation quotes. Send us photos on WhatsApp or request a quote to get started.
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