First things first, DO NOT Panic!
What are bed bugs?
· Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (when engorged they are a similar size to an apple seed), and can live several months without a blood meal(only if there is no food source)
· Bed bugs are found all over the world. There is nothing new about bed bugs as they have been here for thousands of years. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.
· Bed bug infestations that are under a year old are usually found with in 2 ft where you are at rest (bed or sofa). They hide in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects within the approx 2ft. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 2 feet of where people sleep.
· It can be very difficult to know if it is bed bugs that are biting, especially during the summer months when there are mosquitoes. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten and since they feed while you are at rest, you may not notice the bites for several hours after. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito bite. They are slightly swollen and the red area may itch and irritating.
· Since bed bug bites affect everyone differently, some people may have no reaction and will not develop bite marks or any other visible signs of being bitten. Other people may be allergic to the bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
How did I get bed bugs?
· Anyone can get bed bugs from almost anywhere nowadays. The most common areas are friends, family, and any public area that has fabric seating. Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces. Bed bugs are one of the laziest pests that we may encounter. They do not want to walk farther then they have to, which is why they are called hitch hikers. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Odds are you will not even realize that you are transporting these pests until it is already in your home.
· Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs when visiting an infested area. Those who self treat or keep it hidden from others will increase that risk for family, friends and co-workers. Be aware that traveling only makes up approx 5% of all infestations.
How are bed bugs treated and prevented?
· Bed bug bites will not cause any physical harm; your scratching may cause an infection (DO NOT SCRATCH). The best way to treat a bite is to avoid scratching the area and apply either after bite, hydrocortisone cream or Benadryl Allergy and Anti-itch cream.
· The most effective solution for bed bugs is a chemical treatment. If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. The best way to prevent bed bugs is becoming educated and learning how to inspect for the signs of an infestation. (Refer to section on: “What are the signs and symptoms of a bed bug infestation?”)
· Bed bugs are not deemed as a health risk. Bed bugs will not spread disease. Bed bugs are only an annoyance because they prey on you when you are in your most vulnerable state (sleeping). Their bites may cause itching and loss of sleep. The only health risk that may come from the bites would be inflicted by scratching them too much. This may cause a skin infection.
What health risks do bed bugs pose?
· A bed bug bite will affect each person differently. Bed bugs pump an anaesthetic into you when they feed which is why it may take hours before you realize that you have been bitten. Some people may not react, may react similar to mosquito bites, and some people have allergic reactions. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous!
What are the signs and symptoms of a bed bug infestation?
· One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. Bed bugs have the distinctive 3-4 bite marks that are in a cluster or straight line.
Other signs include:
- The bed bugs’ exoskeletons after molting,
- Bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets, rusty–colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture.
- Blood smears on your bed sheets.
