If you think that bed bugs are not a problem or a health risk, you are seriously mistaken. While these small insects have always been a problem, recently information about bed bugs has come to light suggesting that they are more of a problem than ever before. Here is the information you need to recognize them and some tips on why you need to get rid of them and the health problems they can cause.
The problem with these insects is that they are very similar in many ways to other bugs like mosquitoes, black flies and fleas. Unlike fleas, they prefer to feed off of the blood of humans although they have been known to survive by eating the blood of animals as well. When they feed, it is not simply a matter of biting and drinking the blood. When these insects feed, part of the process involves injecting their victim with various chemicals such as anticoagulants (to keep the blood flowing) and anesthetics (so that the victim does not feel the bite and the bug can feed in peace). It is these substances that can cause problems over and above the blood loss itself.
These pests love to live in homes and tend to concentrate in our beds and any other furnishings where people sleep and spend time. This can include couches, soft chairs and love seats. During the day, they tend to hide out of sight but may still be fairly active. At night, when people and animals are sleeping, the insects emerge from their nests and begin to feed.
When someone is bitten by one of these insects, they end up with bites that are much like those of a mosquito. There may be a bump which is raised from the surrounding skin. A flat welt may also form. The main difference between these bites and those of other insects is that they are far itchier than other bites may be and this itching can continue for some time after the actual bite has healed.
Two of the most severe problems that can come from bites include anaphylactic reactions to the bites themselves and secondary infections caused by scratching the bites themselves. Severe scratching can break the skin and this can allow secondary infections to occur. In some cases, if a person is being bitten by a large number of insects, they can develop anemia from blood loss. There are medications that can help control the itching and inflammation. These can include corticosteroid creams.
You may be surprised to find out that these insects are becoming a lot more common. They are often carried from infected hotel or motel rooms to homes by the transportation of infected clothing. As well, the fact that more people are beginning to live in condominiums and apartments is making it easier for these insects to spread and flourish.
If you are worried about whether you have these insects in your home, look for signs of blood on your sheets. Feeding bugs will also leave feces behind in the sheets and there may sometimes be shed skin or the body of a bug which has been crushed while feeding. If you do have them in your home, you can steam clean your beds and soft furniture or spread diatomaceous earth because both of these are safe and effective. Larger infestations may require the services of a pest control expert as well.