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Bed Bug Treatment

Different Types of Bed Bugs

Most people assume there is only one type of bed bug, but several species can infest homes and hotels across the UK. Knowing which one you are dealing with helps you and your pest control technician choose the most effective treatment from the outset.

The species most commonly found in UK homes

The bed bug you are most likely to encounter in the UK is Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug. It is the dominant species across Europe and North America and has been living alongside humans for thousands of years. Adults are roughly 5 to 7 millimetres long, oval and flat, with a reddish-brown colour that deepens to a darker, swollen appearance after a blood meal. They are wingless, so they cannot fly or jump, but they move quickly across surfaces and through tiny gaps in furniture and skirting boards.

A second species, Cimex hemipterus, the tropical bed bug, is occasionally found in the UK, usually brought in through international travel or imported goods. It looks almost identical to Cimex lectularius and requires the same treatments to eliminate it. The main practical difference is that it thrives more readily in warmer climates, so it tends to be less well established in unheated properties during colder months. Unless you have recently returned from a tropical region or received furniture shipped from one, the common bed bug is almost certainly what you are dealing with.

Bat bugs and swallow bugs: easy to confuse, different to treat

Two species that are regularly confused with bed bugs are bat bugs (Cimex pilosellus and related species) and swallow bugs (Oeciacus vicarius). Both are close relatives of the common bed bug and look nearly identical to the untrained eye. The key difference is their preferred host: bat bugs feed on bats, and swallow bugs feed on cliff swallows and similar birds. They will bite humans if their preferred host is no longer present, which is why they often appear in homes that have recently had a bat or bird roost removed from the loft.

If you are seeing bites but cannot find a clear bed bug population in your bedroom, it is worth checking whether there has been recent roost activity in the roof space. A qualified technician can distinguish between these species under a loupe or microscope, which matters because the treatment approach differs. Eliminating the roost access point and treating the harbourage areas is usually necessary alongside any insecticide or heat treatment programme.

What all these species have in common

Whatever the species, all bed bugs share the same basic biology and behaviour. They are nocturnal feeders, emerging in the early hours to take a blood meal while you sleep. During the day they hide in clusters in the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, inside electrical sockets, under loose wallpaper, and deep inside the joints of bed frames and furniture. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime, and eggs hatch into nymphs that pass through five stages before reaching adulthood, each requiring at least one blood meal to moult and progress.

This reproductive cycle is why infestations escalate quickly if left untreated. By the time you notice the first bite, there is often already a substantial hidden population. The signs to look for include:

  • Small, dark brown or black faecal spots on mattress seams, skirting boards or behind furniture
  • Tiny pale shed skins left behind after moulting
  • A faint, musty, sweet smell in heavily infested rooms
  • Clusters of itchy, red welts on exposed skin, often appearing in a line or group

If you suspect bites are causing a skin reaction, keep the area clean and avoid scratching. Over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream can ease mild irritation. If you develop a more significant reaction, such as hives, swelling or any difficulty breathing, contact NHS 111 or call 999 in an emergency. A GP can advise on more persistent skin responses.

Getting the right treatment for the species you have

For the vast majority of UK infestations, Cimex lectularius is the culprit, and both professional heat treatment and targeted insecticide programmes are highly effective against it. Heat treatment raises the temperature throughout the room to a level that kills bugs and eggs at every life stage, with no resistance concerns. It is often the preferred option where a rapid, single-visit solution is needed.

At Bedbugs Gone, our qualified technicians identify the exact species present before recommending a course of action. We are a family run business, fully insured, and every treatment comes with a clear written guarantee so you know exactly what you are getting. Same day and next day appointments are often available across the UK, meaning you do not have to wait to start getting the problem under control.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of bed bugs?
The species that affects the vast majority of UK homes is Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug. Other species include the tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus), bat bugs and swallow bugs, all of which look similar but have different preferred hosts and may require a slightly different treatment approach.
How can I tell if I have a common bed bug or a different species?
Without a microscope it is very difficult to tell species apart, as they are nearly identical in size, shape and colour. A qualified pest control technician can identify the species correctly, and that identification matters when it comes to choosing the right treatment.
Are tropical bed bugs found in the UK?
Yes, tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus) are occasionally found in the UK, usually following international travel or via imported furniture. They are far less common than the common bed bug and respond to the same professional treatments.
What do bed bug bites look like and are they dangerous?
Bed bug bites typically appear as small, itchy red welts, often grouped or in a line on exposed skin such as the arms, shoulders and neck. They are not known to transmit disease, but if you develop a severe skin reaction, significant swelling or any difficulty breathing, contact NHS 111 or call 999 immediately.
Can bat bugs or swallow bugs infest my home?
Yes, bat bugs and swallow bugs can bite humans when their usual host, such as bats or nesting birds, is no longer present. They are most often found in homes that have recently had a loft roost removed, and a professional inspection can confirm whether they are the cause of unexplained bites.
Does it matter which type of bed bug I have when it comes to treatment?
For the two most common UK species, common bed bugs and tropical bed bugs, both heat treatment and insecticide programmes are equally effective. For bat bugs or swallow bugs, the source roost or nest also needs to be addressed alongside the insect treatment, which is why professional identification before starting any programme is important.