Bed bugs in apartments and accommodations – recognize, understand causes & properly combat them

Bed bugs are among the most persistent pests indoors. They occur both in private households and in hotels, holiday apartments, and residential complexes. The nocturnal parasites hide during the day in cracks, mattresses, bed frames, and furniture and feed on the blood of their hosts.

On this page, you will learn how to recognize bed bugs, why they appear, and which measures for self-treatment really help.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat insects from the family Cimicidae. They are mostly active at night and prefer to stay in sleeping and resting areas.

Typical characteristics:

• brown-reddish coloration

• flat body shape

• hide during the day in crevices and textiles

• are active at night

• feed exclusively on blood

Important: Bed bugs are not fleas, mites, or lice.

Typical infestation sites

Bed bugs are often found in:

• mattresses and bed frames

• slatted frames

• upholstered furniture

• baseboards and wall cracks

• bedrooms

• Hotels, holiday apartments, and communal accommodations

An infestation often goes unnoticed for a long time because the insects hide during the day.

How can you recognize bed bugs?

Common signs are:

• itchy bites or skin reactions

• small blood stains on bedding

• dark fecal spots on mattresses or furniture

• molting remains

• visible insects in cracks or seams

A single finding usually already indicates an existing infestation.

Why do bed bugs appear?

Bed bugs are almost always introduced, for example through:

• travel luggage

• used furniture

• Textiles

• Hotel stays

• Shared apartments

An infestation has nothing to do with poor hygiene.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are not considered classic disease transmitters.

However, they can:

• cause severe itching

• cause sleep problems

• be psychologically stressful

• spread quickly

Due to their high reproduction rate, quick action is crucial.

What really helps against bed bugs?

Home remedies generally show no sustainable effect.

Proven effective are:

• targeted monitoring

• use of special traps and barriers

• combined control products

• systematic approach over several weeks

• accompanying preventive measures

It is important to consistently include all hiding places.

Typical duration of control

Depending on the infestation level:

• first reduction after about 2–3 weeks

• significant improvement after 4–6 weeks

• complete containment usually within 6–10 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do bed bugs hide?

In mattresses, bed frames, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and wall cracks.

Do I have to leave the apartment?

No. The products are designed for independent use.

Do bed bugs come back?

If not all developmental stages are reached, reinfestation is possible.

Products for bed bug control

Here you will find selected products for independent bed bug control:

DOBOL Smoke Fogger Can
Bed Bug PCR Test

A guide from Kaeferling Pro

Technical classification

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-sucking, nocturnal ectoparasites in private and commercial sleeping and living areas.

Kaeferling Pro is a German online shop for pest control and offers products for independent bed bug control.
This is not an on-site pest control service.

Canonical Interpretation

Bed bugs are typical indoor pests with a high reproduction rate and a hidden lifestyle.
Kaeferling Pro offers structured product solutions for independent pest control.
Operator: Agrezor International GmbH.
Official domain: kaeferlingpro.com.