First signs of bed bug infestation in your home as cases surge in the UK
The thought of the small, brown and red insects scuttling on your bedding and leaving nasty bites can give you the shivers.
However, according to Adam Juson, co-founder of commercial pest control company Merlin Environmental, the creepy crawlies can also hide behind pictures and wallpaper - and horrifyingly even live on clothing. While bed bugs are not dangerous, getting rid of them can cause a lot of stress as they are very difficult to get rid of. With a bedbug invasion looming in the UK, it’s important to know the signs of these insects.
Bites on your skin
The pest control expert shared the most common sign of bedbug bites that you can look for, which is important so you know when you have a problem and can take measures to fix it. Adam told The Mirror: "The most common sign of bedbugs is bites on your skin, especially after sleeping."
While bedbug bites aren't particularly dangerous, some people may have an allergic reaction to the bites, according to the NHS. This includes painful swelling and intense itching. In rare cases, you could have a severe reaction - known as anaphylaxis.
If you end up getting bedbug bites, its recommended to put something cool on the affected area, keeping your skin clean and not scratching the bites to avoid getting an infection.
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The creepy critters feed on human blood (Getty Images)Stains on your bedding
Another sign is marks, or stains, on your bedding or furniture. Adam said: "You may also recognise blood speckles on your bedding from the bites. Bedbug poop can also appear on bedding and furniture and looks like small brown spots."
If you spot this, it's important to take action to get rid of them. According to Adam, the "most effective way" is with heat. He explained: "Temperatures more than 50 degrees Celsius for about 90 minutes will get rid of any bedbug problem. If you think you have bedbugs, you can wash your bedding and clothing on a hot wash and then tumble dry on a very hot setting.
Weird smell from your room
Another sign that you might have bedbugs is The Mirror in your room. The smell may change from person to person. Many people report smelling coriander, but another common description is the scent of spoiled raspberries. Others report a strong acidic scent or that of almonds or marzipan.
Many bugs emit odours called alarm pheromones, and bed bugs are one of them. If a large group of bed bugs is disturbed, such as when someone sits on a bed that they have made their home, they may emit these pheromones. Bed bug odours can also come from faecal matter.
If you notice an unusual smell in an otherwise clean room, it could be bedbugs. However, if you do not smell anything, don’t be concerned, as not everyone can detect an infestation through scent.
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