Got Bed Bugs? Here’s What You Need to Know (And Do) Real Fast

Last Updated on 15/05/2025 by Tony Abrahams

If you woke up with itchy bites, spotted tiny bugs in your mattress seams, or found suspicious brown stains on your sheets… you’re probably asking the same question thousands of Aussies ask every month: got bed bugs? Don’t panic. They’re annoying, yes, but not unbeatable. This blog is your go-to guide for identifying, treating, and preventing bed bugs—without getting scammed or overwhelmed.

How to Know If You’ve Got Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, sneaky insects that hide during the day and feed on your blood at night. They don’t spread disease, but they can wreak havoc on your sleep and sanity. So, first things first—let’s confirm if you’ve actually got bed bugs.

Common Signs You’ve Got Bed Bugs:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses
• Dark spots (bed bug excrement)
• Tiny pale yellow eggs or eggshells
• Shed skins or live bugs in mattress seams and cracks
• A strong, musty odour in the room

Quick Bed Bug ID Table

If you can tick off a few of the above, chances are you’ve got bed bugs. But don’t worry—we’re about to show you what to do next.

Woke Up with Bites? Here’s What They Mean

Not all red bumps are from mozzies. If you’re asking “got bed bugs? or is it something else?”, this will help:

Bed Bug Bite Clues:

• Small, red, itchy welts
• Typically found in clusters or straight lines
• Show up on arms, neck, face—any skin exposed while sleeping

They Do NOT Spread Disease. But they can cause:

• Itching or allergic reactions
• Secondary infections (if you scratch too much)
• Stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights

Bite Treatment Tips:

• Wash with mild soap and water
• Apply calamine lotion or antihistamine cream
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection

Got bites but no visible bugs? Use a flashlight to inspect mattress seams at night—they’re nocturnal and easier to spot in the dark.

Bed Bug Bites in Australia: How to Find, Treat and Prevent Bed Bugs Fast

Got Bed Bugs? Here is How to Get Rid of Them

Good news: you don’t need to burn your mattress or call pest control on day one. If caught early, you can absolutely treat them yourself. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step DIY Bed Bug Treatment

1. Wash and heat-dry all bedding, clothes, and fabrics at 60°C or more.
2. Vacuum everything—mattress, bed frame, skirting boards, carpet. Then immediately toss the vacuum bag outside.
3. Steam clean soft furnishings like couches and carpets.
4. Apply Diatomaceous Earth (DE) around cracks, bed legs, and wall edges. DE kills bed bugs by drying them out.
5. Use mattress encasements to trap any remaining bugs inside until they die.
6. Set bed leg traps to catch bugs as they climb.

💡 Tip: Make sure your bed isn’t touching the wall or any furniture. Bed bugs can climb across anything to get to you.

Products that actually help:

• Bed Bug Killer Dust (Diatomaceous Earth)
• Bed Bug Mattress Covers
• Bed Leg Barrier Traps
• Hand Held Steamer

Should You Call a Pro?

Honestly? Calling a pest controller is usually harder than doing it yourself. You’ll be told to clear out your entire room, wash and heat-dry all your clothes, vacuum daily, and then—when the bed bugs come back—you’ll need to do it all over again. And the worst part? There are no guarantees.

If you’re physically able, the DIY bed bug method is simpler, cheaper, and more effective long-term. The only reason to hire a pest controller is if you’re elderly, disabled, or simply unable to manage the process yourself.

Signs You Might Need Help:

• You can’t physically move furniture, clean, or apply treatment
• You live in shared housing where the infestation is widespread

Cost in Australia:

Treatment Type	Average Cost (per room)
Chemical treatment	$500 – $700
Heat treatment	$800 – $1000

Professionals can offer full-house heat treatments or use industrial-grade insecticides. But be sure they follow the Australian Bed Bug Code of Practice.

Why You Got Bed Bugs (It is Not Your Fault)

Clean homes get bed bugs too. So if you’re embarrassed, don’t be. Here’s how they really spread:

• From travel: Hitchhike in luggage from hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs
• Used furniture: That “free couch” on Facebook Marketplace? Might be crawling
• Shared walls in apartments: They move through cracks and wall voids

🚫 Myth: Bed bugs only live in dirty homes. ✅ Truth: Bed bugs follow people, not dirt. They’re drawn to your body heat and carbon dioxide.

Got Bed Bugs? Here is How to Stop Them Coming Back

Prevention is cheaper than extermination. Once you’re bed bug free, here’s how to keep it that way:

Prevention Checklist

• ✅ Inspect second-hand furniture carefully
• ✅ Encase your mattress in a bed bug-proof cover
• ✅ Move your bed 30cm away from the wall
• ✅ Apply Diatomaceous Earth around bed legs
• ✅ Wash and dry travel clothes on hot settings
• ✅ Use bed leg traps permanently

Protective products worth using:

• Waterproof mattress encasements
• Bed Bug Barrier traps for each bed leg
• Travel-safe storage bags

Final Thoughts: Got Bed Bugs? You’re Not Alone

Australia has seen a 4500% increase in bed bug infestations since the 90s. But the good news is that they’re completely treatable with the right methods—and they don’t mean your home is dirty.

If you’re wondering got bed bugs?, follow the steps above before wasting time or money on gimmicks. Stay calm, act quickly, and you’ll sleep soundly again soon.

3 Quick FAQs

Q: Can bed bugs spread to other rooms?
A: Yes, especially if they’re not isolated. That’s why bed leg traps and DE powder are key.

Q: Do I have to throw out my mattress?
A: No! Use a mattress encasement to trap bugs and starve them safely.

Q: Can I sleep in the bed during treatment?
A: Absolutely. In fact, staying in the bed helps trap bugs trying to feed—into the powder they go.

Need help choosing the right products for your situation? Visit our Bed Bug Products page for proven solutions.

Are You Looking for an Organic DIY Treatment?

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For An Ensemble Bed

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For A Bed with Slats

Sources

• Health Victoria – Bedbugs Pest Control
  This government resource offers comprehensive guidelines on identifying bed bugs, effective treatment methods, and preventive measures to control infestations in residential settings. Health Victoria

• SA Health – Bed Bugs Prevention and Treatment
  SA Health provides detailed advice on recognizing bed bug infestations, steps for effective treatment, and strategies to prevent future occurrences, ensuring a healthy living environment. SA Health