What are bedbug bites?

Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood. They may seem to appear from nowhere but they ‘hitchhike’ on clothing or furniture brought into the house from a place where they are present. For example, from a hotel, hostel, or second-hand items. They can be found in beds, furniture, carpets, and other soft furnishings.

Bedbugs usually come out and bite at night. Their bites are not dangerous and do not cause any health problems, but some people react to these bites more than others. They can leave multiple red, itchy spots. Very rarely someone could have a severe allergic reaction, leading to anaphylactic shock.

You may need to contact your local council or pest control service to get rid of bedbugs.

Signs and symptoms

Look for:

• Small itchy red spots on the skin usually in a line or cluster and often found on the face, neck, and arms
• In more severe cases, there may be severe itching and some swelling.