Bed bugs are small oval-shaped, flat insects. They are often small, tiny even, unable to easily be spotted. They can grow up to 5mm long and change in colour from cream to brown as they mature, making them easier to spot. These microscopic insects are nocturnal parasites that feed on blood, usually at night. Bed bugs need to feed on blood to grow but can live up for up to a year without a feed. While they feed on other warm-blooded animals, they prefer human blood.

Cracks and crevices make for a comfortable home for these tiny critters, which is why the corners of your bed and mattress seams make for the perfect place for bed bugs to reside. While they call beds home, they actually travel and spread on clothing, furniture, bedding and luggage.

There is a common misconception that bed bugs are caused by bad hygiene. Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home, hotel or poor personal hygiene. They are nomadic parasites and spread by travelling to new places by catching a lift in furniture, suitcases or other objects that get moved around.

In some cases, you may see the signs and symptoms before you see the actual bugs. The most common symptom of bed bugs are bites on the skin that are red and itchy. Other signs of bed bug infestation include bed bugs on the mattress, bed frame and furniture, as well as spots of blood or brown spotting (bed bug faeces) on the mattress. If there is a large infestation there may also be a musty, sweet smell in small areas and rooms. You can strip the bed of the linen and check the crevices of the sheets, bed frame and mattress corners, but they may be too small to spot.

Bed bug bites are often found on legs, arms and shoulders, but may also appear on other parts of the body. Bed bug bites often begin as large welts that reduce to a red mark and fade over a few days. They can be itchy and in some cases form into blisters.

There is no medication that can prevent or heal bed bug bites. Over the counter ointments can help soothe itching and rubbing alcohol will disinfect bites.

Thankfully, bed bugs do not transmit diseases. Their bites can result in a number of health impacts including skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms in the worst case scenarios.

Getting rid of bed bugs is no easy feat. They are small in size, hide in tiny spots and lay eggs everywhere, which makes it hard to locate and keep on top of them when there’s an infestation. Some bed bugs are also resistant to insecticides. It is recommended that pest control service is contacted to help clear an infestation. You can help slow down the infestation by washing all affected clothing and bedding on a hot wash and tumble dry for at least 30 minutes. There are products designed to kill bed bugs that you can purchase to help get rid of them. You will need to treat all areas where bed bugs hide, including under the mattress and in cracks and crevices. Frequent vacuuming will also help remove them from infested areas.