Think you have bedbugs?
Call us on 0344 980 3333 for advice and support.
We can help you understand what to do next and arrange treatment if needed.
What are bedbugs?
Bedbugs are small parasites that:
- are brown, reddish-brown or dark yellow
- live in beds, mattresses, bedding and furniture
- feed on blood, usually at night
They mainly bite humans but may also feed on animals.
Reports of bedbugs have increased over recent years.
Signs of bedbugs
You may notice:
- bites on exposed skin, such as face, neck or arms
- blood spots on bedding
- small brown marks on bedding, mattresses or furniture
Are bedbug bites harmful?
Bites can be itchy but they do not usually cause serious health problems.
Where do they live?
Bedbugs can hide in many places, including:
- beds, mattresses and bed frames
- furniture
- clothing
- behind pictures and mirrors
- under loose wallpaper
How do they spread?
Bedbugs can be brought into your home through:
- second-hand furniture, such as beds, sofas, mattresses
- luggage and clothing after travelling (a common way bedbugs spread)
- infested furniture being moved between properties
- people moving between infested properties
Central heating can provide excellent conditions for bedbugs to breed all year round.
Getting rid of bedbugs
Bedbugs are very difficult to remove yourself. Professional treatment is always needed.
What you can do
- wash bedding and clothing at 60°C
- tumble dry items on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes
- freeze items in a sealed plastic bag for 3–4 days
- clean and vacuum regularly to help you spot them early.
Bedbugs are found in both clean and dirty homes.
What not to do
- keep clutter around your bed
- bring second-hand furniture into your home without checking it first
- bring luggage or clothing indoors without carefully checking it
- use shop-bought or commercial sprays and powders (they often don’t work and can spread the problem)
Further information
- Advice on identifying bedbugs, treating bites and preventing infestations is available on the NHS website.
- For more information about bedbugs, visit the Norwich City Services Limited (NCSL) website.
To book an appointment with a pest control officer, call the customer contact team on 0344 980 3333.
