Bed bugs are small insects that can cause big problems in the home. These insects subsist on blood, which leads them to bite humans and animals. They often take up residence in beds and bedding, but they can inhabit clothing, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and many other places.
While bed bug infestations do not often cause major health issues, they can be hazardous to certain people. Here are some important facts about bed bugs, their possible health effects, and what you can do about them.
Bed bugs are small, flat insects, with adults roughly being the size of apple seeds. Most are a brownish-reddish colour, although nymphs (which are immature bed bugs) range from translucent to a whitish-yellowish colour. Because bed bugs are so small, they can be hard to see with the naked eye. However, bed bug infestations leave behind many telltale signs:
One or more of these signs can indicate your home has been infested with bed bugs.
While infestations are very unpleasant, bed bugs do not often cause serious health problems. Their bites can cause mild irritation and may create a small wound on the skin ranging from red to purple in colour depending on a person’s skin tone. In some cases, bed bug bites will appear in a specific pattern, such as a zig-zag shape.
People with allergies to bed bugs can experience more serious effects if bitten. This can result in severe itching or even an allergic reaction. Individuals experiencing more serious effects should seek care from a doctor, who can provide medication to reduce itchiness and prevent a severe allergic reaction.
A person can also develop an infection after continuously itching bed bug bites. Subsequent infections may require antibiotics and wound care depending on their severity.
Along with seeking medical attention when necessary, you must also take steps to eliminate bed bugs from your home. While getting rid of the insects for good can be challenging, the following steps are crucial:
If you do not have access to laundry equipment, sun exposure can also help. In this case, bag up fabrics and other items and leave them outside for as long as possible.
There are chemical agents that can kill bed bugs, but they must be used according to the instructions on the bottle. Also, check to see if sprays are safe for kids or pets. If you have the means, consider hiring an exterminator to treat your home for bed bugs. An exterminator can provide accurate information and ensure that chemical sprays are used safely.