Confirm the problem first
Start by finding proof, because many bites have other causes. The NHS lists three signs. Look for bites on bare skin, blood spots on bedding and small brown spots on bedding or furniture.
If you can, catch a live bug and photograph it. The US EPA also advises collecting samples so an expert can name the pest. A log of where and when you see signs is useful too, since it shows later if things improve.
The NHS says bed bugs hide on bed frames, mattresses, clothing and furniture. They also use gaps behind pictures and under loose wallpaper. Start with the bed, then work outwards, and add each place you check to your log.
Steps the NHS recommends
The NHS gives a short list of things to try. Wash bedding and clothing on a hot wash at 60C. Then tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes.
Items that you cannot wash can go in a plastic bag in the freezer for two to three weeks. Clean and vacuum regularly, because that helps you spot bugs early. However, none of these steps clears an infestation alone. Our posts on washing and tumble-drying and on whether freezing kills bed bugs explain the limits of each step.
- Bag items before you move them between rooms
- Label bags as treated or untreated
- Keep a room-by-room log of signs
- Follow every product label exactly
Why DIY alone often falls short
The NHS says bed bugs are hard to find and may resist some sprays. Reviewers of the evidence agree that control is difficult. They say it needs non-chemical steps plus careful use of sprays. You can read more about spray resistance.
The EPA warns that you may need to repeat the steps. It also advises checking for at least a year after you finish. So plan for weeks of effort, not one weekend.
Stop before you improvise
Some shortcuts do more harm than good. The EPA warns that rubbing alcohol, kerosene and gasoline could harm you and your family. Reviewers also note that misusing chemicals can damage human health.
Foggers are a common trap. Research found that three popular foggers had little effect on bed bugs, so read why foggers fail. Our post on whether shop-bought sprays work covers the other products on the shelf.
The HSE says the public should only use products meant for the general public. Because the label sets the legal use, never mix products or add extra concentrate. The same goes for desiccant dusts, including the powders in our post on diatomaceous earth at home.
Cut the chances of a repeat
The NHS also lists three habits to avoid. Do not keep clutter around your bed. Do not bring secondhand furniture indoors without checking it carefully.
Likewise, check luggage and clothing before you bring them in if you have stayed somewhere with known bed bugs. Fewer hiding places make inspection easier. Therefore tidy first, then look closely at seams and joints.
When to ask for professional help
The NHS advice is to contact your local council or a pest control service. The HSE also suggests that non-professionals consider a professional pest controller. That makes sense when signs spread across several rooms or you share the home.
It also makes sense when earlier efforts failed, although you may have tried hard. The same goes if you cannot prepare the rooms. Our treatment comparison shows what each professional method involves. The after-treatment guide explains what to do next.
Sources and further checks
Open each source before you act on anything that can change, such as council services, prices, tenancy rules and product labels. Labels and official guidance are revised from time to time, so the source always wins over our summary.