Bed bugs were nearly wiped out in the 1950s—but they’re back, and bed bugs in Australia are a problem we can’t ignore.
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs in Australia are on the rise, with infestations increasing by 4,500% since the late ‘90s. They spread easily and can be found in homes, hotels, and public spaces.
- Eliminating bed bugs requires a mix of heat treatments, deep cleaning, and targeted sprays—severe cases may need professional pest control.
- Preventing an infestation is easier than dealing with one: maintain a clean home, inspect second-hand furniture, and protect your mattress with a high-quality cover.
Reports show infestations have surged by 4,500% since the late ‘90s, creeping into homes, hotels, and public spaces. Of course, we don’t want them living rent-free in our mattresses and furniture.
What’s behind this itchy resurgence? Are bed bugs really common in Australia? Keep reading to find out or skip ahead to a section to know how to deal with these critters.
Jump to a section:
- Why Are Bed Bugs Back?
- What Do Bed Bugs Look Like in Australia?
- How to Spot a Bed Bug Infestation
- How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
- How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
- FAQs
Why Are Bed Bugs Back?
Experts point to two main reasons: fewer harsh pesticides and the rise of global travel. More people on the move means more opportunities for bed bugs to hitch a ride. Hotspots include Melbourne bed bugs infestations in the CBD, Sydney’s Inner West, and other high-density suburbs.
In response to the growing problem, Australia introduced The Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestations. This standard helps accommodation providers and pest controllers tackle infestations through best practices, education, and research.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like in Australia?
Bed bugs are tiny, sneaky, and experts at hiding—but what exactly do Australian bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs
- Wingless, flat, and oval-shaped, allowing them to squeeze into tight spaces
- Six legs and specialised mouthparts for piercing skin and feeding on blood
- Up to 5mm long and 3mm wide
- Brownish-red in colour, turning darker and rounder after feeding
Nymphs (young bed bugs)
- Look like smaller versions of adults
- Colour ranges from pale cream to light brown, depending on age
Eggs
- Tiny, oval, and white—about the size of a pinhead
- Hard to spot due to their small size and pale colour
These bed bugs may be small, but their impact is anything but. Spotting them early can make all the difference.
Types of Australian Bed Bugs
Australia is home to two types of bed bugs:
- Cimex lectularius (the common bed bug)
- Cimex hemipterus (the tropical bed bug)
The common bed bug thrives in cooler regions, while the tropical bed bug prefers warmer, humid climates.
Both species are expert hitchhikers and thrive wherever humans are. They hide in beds, sofas, wall crevices, and even luggage, making them hard to detect. Their resilience and ability to go long periods without feeding make infestations tough to eliminate.
How to Spot a Bed Bug Infestation
Wondering if bed bugs have invaded your home? Here’s an easy checklist to help you find out:
✅ Itchy, Red Bites
Bed bugs are blood-feeding parasites that leave behind itchy, red, and swollen bites—often appearing in clusters or lines on your skin. While their bites are painless at first, the itchiness can disrupt sleep.
Although bed bugs aren’t known to transmit diseases, their presence can trigger allergic reactions and major discomfort.
✅ Telltale Signs Around Your Bed
Bed bugs don’t just lurk in your mattress—they hide in crevices, bed frames, and furniture. Look for these clues:
- Tiny dark brown or black faecal stains on sheets and mattresses
- Shed skins and eggs along mattress seams or behind furniture
- A musty, sweet odour lingering near infested areas
✅ Blood Stains on Sheets or Mattresses
If you wake up to small, rust-coloured stains on your bedding, you might have bed bugs living with you.
These spots are usually from crushed bugs after they’ve fed or minor bleeding from bites. Since bed bugs are experts at hiding, these stains are often the only visible evidence of an infestation.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are becoming harder to kill.
Australian entomologists discovered that some have developed a thicker outer surface, called the “cuticle,” making them resistant to treatments. In fact, treatment-resistant bed bugs have cuticles up to 15% thicker, which means pest controllers now need stronger chemicals and multiple treatments to eliminate them.
If you’re dealing with an infestation, here’s what you can do:
1. Wash, Dry & Steam
Start by washing and drying your bedding and clothing on high heat (above 45°C).
If possible, steam your mattress—bed bugs can’t survive extreme temperatures. Keep in mind that tropical bed bugs tolerate higher heat, so thorough treatment is key.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Remove all bedding, clothing, and fabric items and put them in the wash
- Set your washing machine and dryer to the highest heat setting
- Use a steamer on high heat and carefully go around your mattress, ensuring every corner is treated.
2. Consider Replacing Your Mattress
If the infestation is severe, tossing your mattress might be the best option. Bed bugs can hide deep within, making complete eradication difficult.
To prevent spreading them further:
- Seal your mattress in a heavy-duty plastic bag before removing it from your home.
- Label it clearly as infested to prevent others from taking it.
- Arrange for proper disposal following local waste management guidelines.
3. Use a Bed Bug Spray
A specialised bed bug spray can help eliminate these pests on contact and act as a barrier against reinfestation. Choose a product designed for bed bugs and follow the instructions carefully.
How to do it:
- Identify common hiding spots, including mattress seams, bed frames, and skirting boards.
- Spray the affected areas thoroughly, ensuring the product reaches cracks and crevices.
- Allow the spray to dry before reintroducing bedding or furniture.
4. Treat the Surrounding Areas
Bed bugs don’t just hide in mattresses—they lurk in furniture, drapes, and tiny crevices. If you don’t treat these areas, they’ll come back.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Inspect all nearby furniture, including bed frames, nightstands, and couches.
- Vacuum carpets, skirting boards, and cracks in walls thoroughly.
- Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately by sealing it in a plastic bag and placing it in an outdoor bin.
5. Call the Professionals
DIY methods might not be enough. Pest control services can locate hidden infestations and use targeted insecticides to eliminate them. Be prepared—multiple treatments may be necessary.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Contact a licensed pest control service for an inspection.
- Follow their recommendations for preparation before treatment.
- Plan for follow-up treatments if needed to ensure the infestation is fully eradicated.
If you want a thorough step-by-step for getting rid of bed bugs, check out our blog on 6 Best Ways To Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Mattress.
How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
OK, you’ve successfully gotten rid of bed bugs—now what?
The last thing you want is another infestation. Prevention is easier than battling an outbreak, so here’s what you can do to keep them from coming back.
1. Act Fast at the First Sign of Bed Bugs
If you spot bed bug bites, stains, or shed skins, don’t ignore them—bed bugs reproduce quickly, and waiting can make the problem worse.
Regular home maintenance—vacuuming, sealing cracks, and washing linens—goes a long way in preventing a full-blown infestation. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to stop bed bugs in their tracks.
2. Be Cautious When Travelling
One of the easiest ways to bring bed bugs home is through travel. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, or short-term rental, inspect the bed, headboard, and nearby furniture before settling in. Look for telltale signs like tiny black stains, shed skins, or eggs.
Keep your luggage off the floor and away from beds or upholstered surfaces. When you return home, wash all travel clothes in hot water and vacuum your suitcase inside and out before storing it.
3. Avoid Second-Hand Surprises
Second-hand furniture, bedding, and clothing can be a hidden source of bed bugs. Before bringing anything pre-loved into your home, inspect seams, cracks, and crevices for eggs, shed skins, or black stains.
For clothing and soft furnishings, a high-heat wash and dry cycle can eliminate any lurking pests. When in doubt, skip the item to avoid a potential infestation.
4. Protect Your Bedding
Washing your bed linen, blankets, and pillowcases in hot water at least once every two weeks helps prevent bed bugs from settling in. High temperatures kill them at all life stages, reducing the risk of an infestation.
For added protection, invest in a mattress protector or encasement. These barriers make it harder for bed bugs to invade your mattress and can contain an outbreak if one starts.
5. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
A tidy home leaves fewer hiding spots for bed bugs. Regularly vacuuming carpets, drapes, and mattress seams can remove any stray pests before they settle in.
Sealing cracks in walls and furniture is also important, as these tiny gaps can be perfect hiding places. If wallpaper is peeling, glue it back down to eliminate any spaces where bed bugs might sneak in.
Upgrade to high-quality Ecosa mattresses designed for durability and hygiene. Explore our collection and sleep easy, knowing your bed is built to last.
FAQs
1. Can Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases?
No, bed bugs don’t spread infectious diseases like mosquitoes do. However, their bites can trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, and sleep disturbances—none of which are fun.
2. What Attracts Bed Bugs?
It’s not dirt or clutter that lures them in—it’s warmth, carbon dioxide, and human blood. Think of them as tiny vampires, minus the brooding drama.
3. Do Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds?
Not at all. While they love mattresses, bed bugs also hide in furniture, electrical outlets, carpet edges, and even inside walls. Basically, anywhere dark and snug is fair game.
4. How Do Bed Bugs Get Around?
Despite their lack of wings (thankfully), bed bugs are persistent crawlers. They can travel up to 40 feet in search of a meal, hitchhiking on luggage, clothes, and second-hand furniture.
5. What’s The Difference Between a Bed Bug Bite & a Flea Bite?
Bed bug bites usually appear on exposed areas like the torso, back, neck, and face—mainly at night while you sleep.
Fleas, on the other hand, tend to stay closer to the ground, lurking in carpets and pet bedding. Their bites often cluster around the ankles and lower legs and can happen at any time of the day or night.