Over the past few years, bed bugs have made an astonishing global resurgence — and Australia is no exception. Pest experts across the country are warning that these tiny, blood-feeding insects are now more prevalent, more persistent, and more disruptive than ever before. While hotels, motels, student accommodation and short-stay rentals are considered high-risk environments, the truth is that any household can experience a bed bug infestation. From suburban homes to high-rise apartments, the Cimex lectularius — the common bed bug — is proving difficult to avoid.

The name “bed bug” comes from the insect’s preferred hiding place: mattresses, bed bases, bed frames and any cosy spot close to where people sleep. Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, making sleeping humans the perfect hosts. When we settle in for the night, we unknowingly send out an open invitation for these pests to feed on our blood.

And the scale of the problem shouldn’t be underestimated. A survey of professional Australian pest managers revealed that bed bug numbers increased by a staggering 4500% since the start of the 2000s. This enormous rise has placed increased pressure on accommodation providers and homeowners to stay informed, stay vigilant, and invest in proper bedding protection.

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How Bed Bugs Spread: More Common Than You Think

Many people assume bed bugs only affect unclean rooms or poorly maintained properties. In reality, bed bugs are exceptional hitchhikers, capable of travelling long distances through some of the most ordinary items we bring into our homes.

They can enter a property through:

• Luggage and travel bags

• Friends or visitors who have unknowingly been exposed

• Clothing and personal belongings

• Second-hand furniture such as beds, couches or bedside drawers

• Mattresses and upholstered furnishings

• Soft furnishings transported via moving trucks or storage facilities

One of the characteristics that makes bed bugs so hard to detect is their flat, oval-shaped body, allowing them to squeeze into spaces no wider than a credit card. They don’t create nests in the traditional sense — like ants or bees — but they do gather in tight clusters where they feed, rest, breed and lay eggs.

Their favourite initial hiding places include:

• Mattresses

• Mattress seams

• Bed bases and bed frames

• Headboards

• Bedside drawers

• Upholstered furniture

• Behind skirting boards, wall hangings or light switches

Because they prefer to stay close to their food source — sleeping humans — bedrooms are the most common hotspot for infestations.

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Feeding Habits: Why They Bite at Night

Bed bugs are nocturnal, making the most of the quiet, dark environment while we sleep. They are drawn primarily to the carbon dioxide and body heat we produce, helping them locate their next meal.

While feeding, bed bugs:

• Pierce the skin using a long, beak-like mouthpart

• Inject a mild anaesthetic, which is why many people don’t feel the bite

• Drink blood for 3–10 minutes until fully engorged

• Return quietly to their hiding spot

Bed bugs rely solely on blood to survive, so having them in your home has nothing to do with cleanliness. Immaculate luxury hotels, freshly renovated Airbnb properties and spotless private homes are just as likely to experience an outbreak as poorly maintained accommodations.

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What Bed Bug Bites Look and Feel Like

Most bed bug bites are painless initially, only becoming noticeable hours later. The bites often appear as:

• Raised red welts

• Clusters or lines of bites

• Intensely itchy patches

• Swollen or irritated skin

Unlike flea bites, bed bug bites don’t have a red spot in the centre.

Because the symptoms can mimic those from mosquitoes or allergic reactions, it’s easy for people to dismiss the cause. Many individuals only recognise an infestation once they physically spot a bug or find clear evidence on bedding or furniture.

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Key Signs You May Have Bed Bugs

If you suspect bed bugs, early detection is vital. The sooner you identify them, the easier it is to treat the infestation and prevent it from spreading to other rooms — or other people.

Look for these tell tale signs:

1. Dark or rusty spots

Small black or brown marks on:

• Sheets

• Pillowcases

• Mattress seams

• Bed frames

• Walls near the bed

These spots are bed bug droppings and can smear when wiped.

2. Itchy welts upon waking

If you go to bed clear-skinned but wake up with new bites or itchy patches, this is often the first sign something is wrong.

3. A distinct, musty smell

Bed bugs release an odour through their scent glands. If a room has a strong, unpleasant, sweet-musty smell, it could indicate a large infestation.

4. Blood stains on bedding

Tiny smears of blood on your sheets or pillow can occur if you roll over and squash a feeding bug during the night.

5. Shed skins and eggshells

As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin. Finding creamy-coloured husks or eggs (about 1mm in size) is a clear indicator.

6. Live bed bugs

Fully grown bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed. If you spot one, assume there are many more hiding nearby.

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Why Bed Bugs Are So Hard to Get Rid Of

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to eradicate because:

• They reproduce rapidly.

• They hide in extremely narrow cracks and crevices.

• They can survive months without feeding.

• They are resistant to many common insecticides.

• Infestations often spread silently before being detected.

This is why prevention — especially in accommodation settings — is essential.

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Prevention Starts With Proper Bedding Protection

At Cover & Protect, we’ve seen first-hand how costly and disruptive a bed bug infestation can be. Whether you run a hotel, manage short-stay rentals or simply want to protect your own home, investing in high-quality mattress, bed base and pillow protectors is one of the most effective preventative measures available.

Using certified, encasement-style mattress and bed base protectors:

• Prevents bed bugs from entering or escaping the mattress

• Protects from dust mites, allergens and spills

• Extends the life of your bedding

• Makes inspections quicker and easier for staff

• Reduces long-term maintenance and replacement costs

Accommodation operators in particular can significantly reduce the risk of incoming bed bugs by ensuring all bedding is properly protected and regularly inspected.

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What To Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs

If you believe your home or accommodation property may have bed bugs, it’s important to act promptly.

1. Don’t panic

Bed bugs are unpleasant, but they can be controlled with the right approach.

2. Inspect bedding thoroughly

Check mattress seams, bed bases, bedheads and surrounding furniture.

3. Avoid moving furniture or bedding

This can spread bugs to other rooms.

4. Contact a licensed pest control professional

They have the tools and experience to treat infestations safely and effectively.

5. Wash bedding and clothing

Use hot water followed by high-heat drying, which kills bugs and eggs.

6. Install full bedding protection

After treatment, protect your beds to avoid reinfestation.

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Protect Your Property With Cover & Protect

With bed bug activity on the rise across Australia, preparation is the most powerful defence. At Cover & Protect, we provide a full range of bedding protectors designed to safeguard your mattresses, pillows and bed bases from bed bugs, allergens, spills and stains.

Whether you operate a busy accommodation venue or simply want peace of mind at home, our protective products offer practical, long-lasting reassurance.