Bed bug bites are raised, itchy marks, often in lines or clusters, but they look much like other insect bites. So the marks alone cannot prove you have bed bugs. You need to find the insects or their traces, and this guide shows how.
What the NHS says bed bug bites look like
The NHS page on bedbugs describes bites as raised and itchy. They often appear in lines or clusters on skin that was uncovered in bed, such as your arms, neck and face. On lighter skin they look red or pink. On darker skin they can look brown, red or purple.
Most bites settle within a week. However, some people barely react, while others itch badly. That is one reason two people in the same bed can look quite different in the morning.
Why bites alone do not prove bed bugs
Many things leave itchy marks. For example, fleas, mosquitoes and mites can all bite while you sleep. Skin conditions and allergic reactions can also look similar. Because of this, a pattern of bites is only a clue.
The firm evidence is the insect itself. The BPCA, the trade body for pest controllers, says adult bed bugs are wingless brown discs up to 6mm long. Young bugs are tiny and much harder to see. So you need to look for other signs, and our guide to the signs of bed bugs and where they hide walks through them room by room.
Check for signs before you act
A short check will tell you more than the bites will. First, strip the bed and look along the mattress seams and the bed frame. Then check behind the headboard, along skirting boards and around nearby furniture. A torch helps a lot.
Look for these signs:
- Live bugs, which are small, flat and brown.
- Dark spots, which are bug droppings, on bedding or mattress seams.
- Small blood smears on sheets.
- Pale, empty shed skins.
If you find nothing, the bites may have another cause. Even so, keep checking for a few nights. If you do find signs, our page on what an inspection involves explains how a professional confirms the problem and finds its spread.
Why the bugs are hard to spot
Bed bugs hide well. The BPCA says they can live for up to a year without feeding, so a room that sat empty for months may not be clear. They also come out mostly while you sleep. As a result, you can have bites for weeks and still see no bugs in daylight.
Early-stage bugs are especially easy to miss. They are tiny and pale, so they blend into fabric seams and cracks. That is why a slow, careful search matters more than a quick glance. If you are unsure, an inspection by a trained person removes the guesswork.
Keep a simple record
Write down what you notice, because patterns help. Note the date of each new bite, which part of the body it appeared on, and which room you slept in. Then photograph any marks, spots or bugs you find, with a coin or ruler beside them for scale.
This record is useful in three ways. First, it helps you tell whether new bites appear after a trip or only at home. Second, it gives a pest controller a clear starting point. Third, it gives a landlord or letting agent evidence if you need to report the problem.
What to do about the itch
Treat the bites first. Wash the area gently and try not to scratch, because broken skin can get infected. A cool, damp cloth can calm the itch. A pharmacist can also suggest a cream or tablet that suits you.
See a GP if the pain or swelling is spreading, or if the bites are still very painful, swollen or itchy after pharmacist treatments. The bites are rarely dangerous. They can still wear you down, so ask for help early.
When bites are not the whole story
Sometimes the bites are the first hint of a bigger issue. If several people in one home are waking with new marks, take that seriously. Likewise, if bites keep appearing after you have changed your bedding, something is still feeding on you at night.
Think about where you have been, too. The NHS and the BPCA both note that bed bugs travel in luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture. So a recent trip, a hotel stay or a secondhand bed frame is worth mentioning when you ask for advice. It helps a professional work out where the bugs came from and where else they may be.
Common mistakes after finding bites
Many people make the same few errors. For example, they throw out the mattress at once, which is not routine advice. Newcastle City Council’s guidance says you might have to dispose of soft furnishings and mattresses in some cases, but that is not the default. They also spray every room, which can spread the bugs.
Another mistake is to wait and hope. Bed bugs do not leave on their own, and an early problem is easier to deal with than a spread one. So act on the evidence you find, not on guesswork. If your check shows signs, move to the next step quickly.
What to do if you think you have bed bugs
Stay calm and avoid rushing into sprays. Amateur products can push bugs into other rooms, which makes the problem harder to fix. Our guide to DIY bed bug treatment and what backfires explains why. In the meantime, the NHS suggests washing bedding and clothes at 60C as an interim step.
Next, decide who will treat the problem. The BPCA says professional treatment is strongly recommended. If you need help choosing, read our guide on how to find a bed bug exterminator. You can also read how bed bug heat treatment works and what happens after treatment, so you know what is ahead.
What a professional does once bugs are confirmed
If your check turns up bed bugs, a professional starts with an inspection. The BPCA says the usual method is then a residual insecticide applied to infested surfaces. Some firms also offer heat. Each approach has trade-offs, and our guide to treatment methods sets them out in plain terms.
You can also prepare questions in advance. For example, ask what the visit will include, how many follow-ups are planned and what the guarantee covers. Our list of questions to ask a bed bug exterminator gives you a starting point, so you can compare firms fairly.
Who pays and where to look locally
Cost and responsibility depend on where you live and who owns your home. Some councils charge for treatment, while others do not treat bed bugs at all. Our review of whether councils treat bed bugs compares what several cities say. You can also see our bed bug help in Birmingham, Leeds area guide and Liverpool council guide.
If you rent, the landlord may owe you action. Read who pays when tenants find bed bugs before you pay for anything. Keep dated photos of the bites and any bugs, because they help if you need to report the problem in writing.
Ready to ask for help?
If you have found signs of bed bugs, you can request help using the form on this site. Describe what you have seen and where you live. Please do not include any payment details.
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Frequently asked questions
What do bed bug bites look like?
The NHS describes raised, itchy marks that often appear in lines or clusters on skin that was exposed while you slept. They look red or pink on lighter skin and brown, red or purple on darker skin. Most settle within a week.
Can I tell bed bugs from their bites alone?
No. Fleas, mosquitoes and other irritants can leave similar marks, so bites alone do not confirm bed bugs. You need to find signs of the insects themselves, such as live bugs, dark spots or shed skins.
How do I stop bed bug bites itching?
Try not to scratch, because scratching can break the skin and cause infection. A cool, damp cloth can ease the itch, and a pharmacist can suggest a suitable product. See a GP if swelling spreads or the bites look infected.
Do bed bugs spread disease?
The BPCA says there are no known disease risks from bed bug bites, and the NHS says bites do not usually cause other health problems. The bites cause itching and, for some people, real distress. That is still a good reason to deal with an infestation quickly.