Professional bed bug identification in London
Signs of Bed Bugs: How to Know If You Have Bed Bugs
Worried you may have bed bugs? The most reliable signs are not just bites. Look for black faecal spots, blood marks on sheets, tiny pale eggs, shed skins, live insects and activity around mattress seams, bed frames, headboards and nearby furniture.
Bon Accord Pest Control provides discreet professional bed bug identification, inspection and treatment across London for homes, flats, landlords, tenants, hotels, Airbnb properties and managed buildings.
Not sure what you have found? Send us a clear photo of the insect, black marks, eggs or mattress seams and we will advise you.
London office: 020 3369 6965 | Freephone: 0800 211 8868
Bites Are Only One Clue
Physical evidence such as black spots, blood marks, eggs and insects is stronger.
Photo Identification
Send photos before spraying or throwing furniture away.
Discreet London Service
Support for homes, flats, hotels, rentals and managed buildings.
Treatment If Confirmed
If signs are confirmed, we can advise the right bed bug treatment plan.
Quick answer
What Are the Main Signs of Bed Bugs?
The main signs of bed bugs are bites after sleeping, blood spots on sheets, black or dark faecal spots, live bed bugs, tiny white eggs, shed skins, musty smell in heavier infestations, and evidence around mattress seams, bed frames and headboards.
Bites After Sleeping
A possible early clue, especially on exposed skin, but bites alone do not confirm bed bugs.
Blood Spots
Small red or rusty marks may appear on sheets, pillowcases or mattress covers.
Black Faecal Spots
Dark ink-like marks around seams, frames and headboards are strong evidence.
Eggs and Shed Skins
Tiny pale eggs and empty skins suggest bed bugs are developing nearby.
Live Bed Bugs
Small oval insects may be seen near beds, sofas, luggage or furniture joints.
Musty Smell
A sweet or musty odour may be present in heavier infestations.
Mattress Seam Signs
Seams, labels, piping and stitched edges are common places to check.
Headboard Activity
Cracks, screw holes, rear panels and joints can hide insects and eggs.
Most important inspection area
Bed Bug Signs on Mattress and Bedding
Mattresses and bedding are often the first places people notice possible bed bug signs. Check the head end of the mattress carefully, especially seams, piping, labels, stitched edges and any small folds or creases.
Look for black spotting, blood marks, eggs, shed skins and live insects. However, the mattress may not be the main harbourage. Bed bugs can also hide in the bed frame, headboard, divan base, skirting boards and bedside furniture.
Professional tip: do not inspect only the top of the mattress. Lift seams carefully and check the headboard, bed frame joints and nearby furniture.
Bites and uncertainty
Bed Bug Bites: Are They Enough to Confirm Bed Bugs?
Bites can be an early clue, but bites alone do not confirm bed bugs. People react differently, and other insects or skin conditions can look similar. Some people react strongly to bites, while others show little or no visible reaction.
Bed bug evidence is stronger when bites appear together with black spots, blood marks, eggs, shed skins or insects near the bed.
If you have bites plus marks or insects: send photos before applying DIY sprays or moving furniture.
Strong visual evidence
Black Spots, Faecal Marks and Blood Spots
Black Faecal Spots
Bed bug faecal marks often look like dark ink dots. They may appear on mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, skirting boards or furniture joints and can smear when damp.
Blood Spots on Sheets
Small red, brown or rusty marks can appear on sheets, pillowcases or mattress covers when fed bed bugs are crushed after feeding.
Found black spots or blood marks?
Take clear close-up photos in good light. Bon Accord can help confirm whether the signs are consistent with bed bug activity.
Development signs
Bed Bug Eggs, Shed Skins and Live Bed Bugs
Bed Bug Eggs
Eggs are tiny, pale and usually around 1mm long. They are often hidden in seams, cracks, headboards and furniture joints.
Shed Skins
As bed bugs grow, they shed pale brown skins. Finding shed skins near a bed frame or mattress seam suggests activity has been developing.
Live Bed Bugs
Adult bed bugs are small, oval, flat and reddish-brown. Nymphs are smaller and lighter. Photograph or capture one safely if possible.
For a deeper guide, see our dedicated page on bed bug eggs.
Inspection checklist
Where to Check for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs usually hide close to where people sleep or rest. Use this checklist before moving furniture or applying DIY sprays.
| Area | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Mattress seams | Black spots, eggs, live bugs and shed skins. |
| Headboard | Cracks, screw holes, rear panels and hidden insects. |
| Bed frame | Joints, slats, corners and wooden cracks. |
| Divan base | Fabric folds, underside, wheels and stapled areas. |
| Bedside cabinet | Drawer joints, back panels, screw holes and undersides. |
| Sofa | Seams, under cushions, frames and fabric folds. |
| Skirting boards | Gaps close to sleeping areas. |
| Luggage | Seams, pockets, folds and zip areas. |
Urgency guide
Early Signs vs More Established Bed Bug Infestation
Early action is important. A few signs around a mattress seam can develop into a wider infestation if eggs, nymphs and hidden harbourages are missed.
| Early Signs | More Established Signs |
|---|---|
| Occasional bites | Repeated bites after sleeping |
| Small black spots | Many faecal marks or staining |
| One insect found | Multiple live insects or nymphs |
| A few blood spots | Heavy staining on bedding or frames |
| Signs in one bed area | Signs in several rooms or sofas |
| No noticeable smell | Sweet or musty odour in the room |
Avoid unnecessary treatment
What Can Be Mistaken for Bed Bugs?
Correct identification matters. Some insects and marks can look similar to bed bug evidence, and bites alone can be misleading.
| Possible Lookalike | Why It Can Be Confusing |
|---|---|
| Carpet beetle larvae | Small, hairy larvae may be found near beds, carpets and wardrobes. |
| Fleas | Can bite and jump, often linked to pets or previous animal activity. |
| Mites | Tiny and difficult to identify without close inspection. |
| Booklice | Small pale insects, often linked to damp or mould rather than bites. |
| Spider beetles | Small brown beetles that can be mistaken for bed bugs at first glance. |
| Lint, dust or mould spots | Can look like eggs or spotting, but do not show insect structure. |
Not sure what it is?
Send clear close-up photos before treating. We can help advise whether the evidence looks consistent with bed bugs or another pest.
Action section
What to Do If You Find Signs of Bed Bugs
Do this now
- Take clear photos of insects, eggs or marks.
- Keep evidence where possible.
- Avoid moving bedding into other rooms.
- Bag washable fabrics before moving them.
- Wash and dry suitable fabrics at high heat.
- Check mattress seams, bed frames and headboards.
- Contact a professional for identification or inspection.
Do not do this
- Do not sleep in another room to escape them.
- Do not spray random chemicals around the bed.
- Do not throw furniture away immediately.
- Do not drag the mattress through the property.
- Do not ignore signs after travel.
- Do not assume bites alone prove bed bugs.
Professional identification and treatment
Professional Bed Bug Inspection in London
A professional inspection can confirm whether bed bugs are present and whether treatment is needed. This is especially useful if you have bites but no visible insects, one suspicious bug, black marks on the mattress, signs after travel, or a report from a tenant or guest.
Bon Accord’s process includes photo identification where possible, room inspection, mattress and bed frame checks, headboard and furniture inspection, evidence confirmation, treatment recommendation, preparation advice and aftercare guidance.
Helpful related guides
Related Bed Bug Guides
If bed bugs are confirmed, read our guide to professional bed bug pest control in London. You may also find these useful: bed bug eggs, where bed bugs come from, bed bug treatment cost London, heat treatment for bed bugs, and contact Bon Accord Pest Control.
Signs of Bed Bugs FAQ
Helpful answers about bed bug signs, bites, black marks, eggs, blood spots, lookalikes and when to arrange a professional inspection.
What are the first signs of bed bugs?
Early signs can include bites after sleeping, small blood spots on sheets, black faecal spots on mattress seams, tiny pale eggs, shed skins or a live insect near the bed.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Look for physical evidence such as black spots, blood marks, eggs, shed skins and live insects around mattress seams, headboards, bed frames and nearby furniture. Bites alone are not enough to confirm bed bugs.
Are bites enough to prove bed bugs?
No. Bites can be a clue, but people react differently and other insects or skin conditions can look similar. Physical evidence is stronger.
What do bed bug black spots look like?
They often look like small dark ink dots or stains. They may appear on mattress seams, headboards, bed frames, skirting boards or furniture joints and can smear when damp.
What do bed bug blood spots look like?
Blood spots are usually small red, brown or rusty marks on sheets, pillowcases or mattress covers. They may occur when bed bugs are crushed after feeding.
What do bed bug eggs look like?
Bed bug eggs are tiny, pale and usually around 1mm long. They are often hidden in seams, cracks, headboards and furniture joints.
Where do bed bugs hide during the day?
They hide in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, divan bases, bedside furniture, sofas, skirting boards, luggage and small cracks near sleeping or resting areas.
Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
Yes. Adult bed bugs are visible, but they are small and excellent at hiding. Nymphs and eggs are much harder to spot.
What insects look like bed bugs?
Carpet beetle larvae, fleas, mites, booklice, spider beetles and cockroach nymphs can sometimes be mistaken for bed bugs. Photo identification is useful.
Should I throw away my mattress?
Not immediately. Throwing away a mattress can spread bed bugs through the property if handled incorrectly. Professional advice is recommended first.
Should I spray bed bugs myself?
Random spraying can disturb bed bugs, push them deeper into cracks and interfere with professional treatment. Identification and targeted treatment are safer and more effective.
When should I call Bon Accord Pest Control?
Call if you have found bed bugs, black spots, blood marks, eggs, shed skins, bites after sleeping, signs after travel, or if a tenant or guest has reported possible bed bugs.
Bed Bugs Appearance
In the world of unwelcome infestations, the answer to the question “What color are bed bugs?” reveals their reddish-brown hue, resembling tiny intruders lurking in the shadows. Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown in colour, and they feed on human blood. Often bed bug bites may cause an allergic reaction and can result in red spots on the skin. These bites are usually found in clusters on the arms, neck, face, and other exposed areas of the body.
How to identify bed bugs
In order to identify bed bugs, use a torch, and take a photo of any insect you find. Bed bug infestations can also be identified by looking for dark spots on bed sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses. These spots are the result of bed bugs excreting, and they may also be accompanied by a musty odour. Additionally, bed bugs are often found in the seams of mattresses and on the underside of bed frames.Early Signs of Bed Bugs
Do I have bed bugs? Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of a bed bug infestation in your home. If you are noticing early signs of bed bugs, such as bites on your skin, it is important to learn how to know if you have bed bugs in order to address the situation quickly.What to do you have a bed bug infestation
Types of Bed Bugs
On the other hand, there are three different types of bedbugs: Cimex pipistrelli feeds exclusively on animals; another type called Cimex adjunctus prefers animal over human prey but will also eat off both if necessary; lastly, one type named cimiculus or more commonly known as “kissing bug” has been found in North America recently and doesn’t prefer either host’s food source since it sucks their blood from crevices such as eyelids while they sleep during night time hours .Can you see bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and other animals. They are nocturnal creatures that hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Bed bugs can be difficult to see because they are so small. They can also be hard to spot because they come out at night when people are sleeping. However, there are some signs that indicate bed bugs may be present in a home or hotel room:- Bed bug droppings – these look like dark spots or specks on sheets, mattresses, or furniture near where bed bugs live;
- Bed bug skins – these look like tiny pieces of clear plastic;
- Bed bug eggs – these look like tiny yellow dots on sheets or mattresses
Are bed bugs common in UK?
Bed bugs are gaining traction and being seen more frequently around the United Kingdom, according to a recent study. Readers often get freaked out at the mention of bed bugs and can incite terror as they think of creatures that invade homes, sucking blood at night. But just how common are they in the United Kingdom? A recent survey conducted by pest control company Bon Accord has reported that there are currently six percent of households within the U.K. reporting bed bug infestations of their property within 2022.How do I know if I have bed bugs UK? How to know if you have bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish brown in color and can be seen with the naked eye. The most common way to know if you have bed bugs is by looking for physical signs such as black specks on your mattress or sheets. You can also look for live bed bugs or their eggs in your bedding, furniture, or other areas where they hide. If you suspect that you have bed bugs, it is important to contact a pest control professional immediately.What are the first signs of bed bugs?
The first sign of bed bugs is usually bites on the skin. These bites can be found on any part of the body but are most common on the arms, legs, hands, and feet. The bites may also appear as a rash or a cluster of bumps. The second sign is faecal spots or stains on sheets or mattresses. These faecal spots will look like dark spots that have been smeared across the fabric and will have a foul odour to them.How do you get bed bugs in the first place UK?
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually found in beds, couches, and other furniture. Bed bugs can be transferred from one place to another by people who have been bitten by them or who have picked up the bed bugs from a contaminated surface. The most common way of getting bed bugs is through travel. If you stay in a hotel room that has bed bugs, you will get them too.What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are brown-colored and have an oval body shape. They also have tiny hairs that can’t be seen with the naked eye which covers their entire bodies, but they cannot fly.
How Big Are Bed Bugs?
When bed bugs infest a home, they come in all shapes and sizes. While the average adult is 5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed), some adults are as small as 2.5mm! Many other tiny creatures may also be found during an infestation such as eggs or nymphs that can only grow up to about 3-4mm before reaching adulthoodCan You See Bed Bugs With the Naked Eye?
If there are only a few bed bugs in your home, they may be hidden within tiny cracks and crevices. Spotting them is next to impossible unless you know what signs to look for like bumps or redness on the skin of people living inside the house. Bedbugs take time before their population grows large enough that they can form clusters which could then be easily observed by humans if spotted early on as mentioned above. They also turn transparent after feeding which makes it easier when looking out for insects crawling about although some species remain opaque instead even though many individuals infesting an area have fed recently with reddish markings still visible at times from exuding blood under pressure during this process while others do not show up until much later once those superficial cap.Common Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are social creatures, so they prefer to stick together. But if you want to know whether or not there’s a bed bug problem in your house, it is important that you look for tell-tale signs like black spots and dried blood stains on sheets as well as unusual bites on the skin of sleeping people. In addition, check out other rooms besides bedrooms such as living rooms, bathrooms , laundry rooms etc . It’s easy for them to transfer from one place to another carrying an infested object, especially suitcases, clothing , electrical appliances.Faecal spots
These blood spots are typically found in the corners of sheets or on bedding. They result from insects excreting hosts’ fully processed blood and can be a sign that there is an infestation present. In contrast to other insect’s bites, such as flies or spiders’, these marks will also appear around your mattress which makes it easier for you to pinpoint whether they’re coming from some sort of pest (such as bed bugs).Dark, blood-stained spots
Blood excreted by bed bugs is left behind on items such as sheets and mattresses, making them easy to identify.Eggs and eggshells
When the bed bugs hatch, they can leave tiny eggshells across the infested area. Bed bugs are difficult insects to get rid of. They go through a series of life cycles and shed their skin after each stage, leaving behind tiny eggshells scattered across the infested area.Live bed bugs
Don’t ignore an infestation if you spot just a few insects, as this doesn’t mean that their population is smaller. They prefer to remain hidden so don’t take any chances with potential bed bug signs and seek the help of an experienced pest control immediately. Of all bed bugs signs, seeing the actual living things in front of you is obviously the most telltale sign that you have a problem; however there are some insects which look very similar to them so always get your findings confirmed by someone who knows what they’re doing. If you’re worried about a potential bed bug infestation in your home, you may want to check out this article on Early Signs Of Bed Bugs for helpful information.Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are often mistaken for other insect bites. If you have a strange bite on your body, it might be difficult to identify if the cause is due to bed bugs or something else entirely. Some common symptoms of bedbugs include itching and redness around the site of attack; however, not everyone experiences these signs during an infestation:
The only way to know if you have been bitten by a bed bug is through the clustered bite marks that look like small, red bumps. These bites turn into swollen areas of your skin located in darker-colored patches closer to their center and can be found on the legs, neck, back, arms or face.
Bites from bed bugs are often mistaken for mosquito and flea bites. Even if the bite has a similar pattern to those of other insects, it does not necessarily mean that you have been infested with these creatures in your home. It could also be dust mite bites causing this reaction on your skin as well!
Image by: Wikimedia
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs, a tiny insect that can be found around the house in cracks and crevices as well as electrical appliances. Their usual hiding spots are suitcases, clothes, shoes or wherever they may find shelter from direct sunlight and humidity. They also hide inside switch plates within vehicles because of their small size which makes it hard to know if you have bed bugs living with you until it is too late when there’s an infestation! Bed bugs stay as close to their food source (your bed) the best. The next place you’ll see them is underneath your mattress and its immediate surroundings because they are comfortable there. In severe infestations, it’s possible for these pests to be found in all parts of a property due to how fast they can reproduce when conditions are right!Common hiding areas
- Box springs;
- Mattresses;
- Bed frames;
- Tufts;
- Folds;
- Buttons on mattresses;
- Headboard;
- Items near the bed.
Furniture bed bugs infest
Check the furniture, listed below, for signs of bed bugs:- Desks;
- Chairs;
- Drawers;
- Sofa;
- Ironing board;
- Shelves;
- Door and window frames.
Other infested areas
- Behind wallpaper, clocks and pictures;
- Cracks in wood floors and under the edge of carpet;
- Curtain’s uppermost part;
- Wall corners;
- Clothes and laundry;
- Behind switch plates and electrical outlets;
- All electrical appliances near the bed;
- Newspapers, magazines, and paper waste;
- Around electrical and cable plates;
- Smoke detectors;
- Mirrors and any other wall-mounted items.
Which places are preferred by bed bugs the most?
A study by the University of Kentucky on the bed bugs’ behaviour gives us an insight on what are the most usual places that bed bugs use as hideouts. The results from the study are based on the documented findings of 13 professional property inspections. While the numbers presented in the study are approximate, they might be of use to you when determining where to start looking for the bugs first:- 34.6% – box springs;
- 22.6% – furniture, such as couches and upholstered chairs;
- 22.4% – mattresses;
- 13.4% – bed frames and headboards;
- 3.1% – baseboard areas;
- 2.3% – walls and ceilings;
- 1.4% – other;
- 0.2% – nightstands and dressers.
Where do bed bugs hide during the day?
At night time, bed bugs may extend their reach to furniture inside the bedroom or can even relocate to the corners of a room. When this happens they may also resort to feeding during the day, provided they can find a host. Bed Bugs always seek narrow places where they feel safe from harm which makes finding and exterminating them trickier than ever before! When it’s not uncommon for insects near baseboards at daytime in severe infestations but when nighttime comes around there is no telling how far out these pests will go just as long as food (humans) are nearbyHow to Find Bed Bugs
The discovery of bed bugs during an infestation is one step that needs to be done as soon as possible. Knowing the location and extent of a bed bug problem means it can all be taken care of in its early stages, which ultimately benefits everyone living under the roof with this pest issue. In order to find out if you have bed bugs, look for any of the signs we discussed like blood stains or fecal matter on your mattress. Wear protective clothing as well such as gloves so that when inspecting there will be no direct contact with either blood and/or excrements from a bug’s body. Check the whole thing including folds, tufts and seams along it too! Also inspect objects which are less prone to infestation like nightstands and dressers without forgetting about curtains near windows plus areas close to ceiling corners too!Which Insects Look Like Bed Bugs?
The bed bug is an oval insect, slightly larger than a flea. They have the same color and shape as spider beetles which are often mistaken for them due to their reddish appearance. Other insects that may be confused with bed bugs are:- Cockroach nymphs;
- Book lice;
- Carpet beetles;
- Bat bugs;
- Earwigs;
- Ticks.
What to Do in Case You Find Any Signs of Bed Bugs
Here are some helpful Do’s and Don’ts if you see signs of bed bugs in your home.
What not to do
- If you see a living bug, try to trap it inside of a plastic bag. Take the photo and ask а professional if they think it is actually an insect that looks like a bedbug; don’t get too close!
- To destroy any bed bugs that may be on your clothes and sheets, you should launder them using a high temperature setting of at least 60°C. If the items are too sensitive to heat, place them inside plastic bags before freezing for two days in temperatures below -16 degrees Celsius. Gather your clothes and bedding and launder them in order to destroy any bed bugs that may be on them or freeze those items by placing it within sealed plastic bags at lower than 16-degree Celsius temperatures if they are not able to withstand higher heats
- Try trapping the bed bugs by putting an encasement on the mattress and the box spring. This will prevent the insects from infesting other areas of your property. This, of course, will not kill the bugs, but this measure will buy you some time until you decide how to proceed next.
- You have an infestation. Don’t wait! You need to call your local pest control experts as soon as possible for the best chance of eliminating it quickly and safely so you can get back to normalcy. They know how to check the entire premises, which will help them use only effective insecticides on the market today that are safe enough even for children/pets.
What not to do
- If you try to kill bed bugs yourself, it may be ineffective or even harmful to your family. You risk spending money on products that won’t get rid of the problem; making them more resistant to chemicals used in common pesticides; causing further infestation throughout your home. If you choose to end the bed bug infestation yourself, you risk: – Harming yourself, members of your family, or your beloved pets; – Spending money on ineffective products which will only worsen your problem; – Causing the bed bug colony to spread further in your home;
- If you have a bed bug problem, don’t just throw out infested furniture. You can prevent the bugs from spreading by hiring a professional who understands how to treat items without damaging them.
- To make the bed bug extermination process simpler, leave items under your bed as they are. Bed bugs will be exterminated during this treatment and moving these objects to other rooms can spread the infestation further.
- If you are new to insect control and have no experience in DIY techniques, then don’t try any bed bugs extermination methods yourself. There is a lot of information on the Internet that may be misleading when it comes to DIY pest removal tasks like this one.
