A pest control expert has urged people to be alert for an unusual almond-like scent that could signal a bed bug infestation. Norman Smith, director of Invicta Environmental, explained that when bed bugs establish themselves in large numbers, they release pheromones that create a musty, sweet almond smell. Many people overlook this sign, mistaking it for damp or other causes.
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood, typically emerging between 2am and 5am when people are in deep sleep. Smith noted that they feed for two to five minutes before retreating to hiding places in mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture. Their flat bodies allow them to conceal themselves in cracks as thin as a credit card.
Other warning signs include rust-coloured droppings on sheets and mattresses, which are often mistaken for dirt. Blood spots may also appear after a bed bug is squashed during sleep. A distinctive bite pattern in a straight line or cluster, sometimes called the 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner' pattern, is another indicator.
The British Association of Dermatologists confirms that bed bugs can infest even the cleanest homes, as they only require a source of food. Smith stressed that prompt action is critical, as a female bed bug can lay around 200 eggs in five days. He advised washing all bedding and clothing at 60°C and tumble drying for at least 30 minutes to kill bugs and eggs.
Southampton City Council's pest control department warns that suspected infestations require immediate intervention. Before professional treatment, householders should avoid moving belongings from infested areas to clean zones to prevent spreading the problem.
