Little-known sign of tiny bed bugs on your bedding you should never ignore

26 October 2023 , 15:08

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These are the small steps you can take to get rid of beg bugs (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The bed bug crisis has Brits worried the small insects could invade their homes. While it's a cause for concern, people have been advised not to panic, and to take simple steps to check their mattresses. Experts at Mattress Online have provided their top tips for identifying and exterminating tiny pests.

Bed bugs can be hard to get rid of once they have found an environment they like, so it's important to identify them as early as possible. To check for bed bugs in your mattresses, you should slowly remove each piece of bedding, check the surface and sides of your mattress, and lift up each corner. The fourth step is to flip your mattress over and check the underside, and your bed frame, and if you can, examine underneath your bed.

It has also been advised you should be looking for anything such as insects about the size of an apple seed (these are the bed bugs themselves), small blood spots, small insect droppings and small white insect eggs.

Another little-known sign of bed bugs is the sheddings of their skin, which should be around the same size as the bugs. If you've noticed these things, experts shared ways you can banish beg bugs from your home.

How to get rid of bed bugs

Whilst the most effective way to rid your house of bed bugs is to call a pest control company, there are steps you can try yourself:

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1. Machine wash all your bedding and clothes (including pyjamas) at a high temperature, to kill any living there.
2. Vacuum your bed, mattress, and bedroom floor regularly - if you have carpet, upholstery, or mattress cleaner, use this too.
3. Deep clean your mattress by vacuuming, scrubbing, and machine washing parts, if possible.
4. If you think they may have entered the house on a piece of furniture, thoroughly deep clean the furniture according to the care instructions - outside if possible.
5. Keep mattresses, bedding, upholstery, and clothing clean and fresh at all times.

Please consult the NHS's advice on bed bugs for further help.

Ayaan Ali