Bed Bug Bites

While bedbug bites do not pose severe risks to your health, they can become itchy and cause discomfort. Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of getting bites. Read on to learn more facts about bed bug bites and their prevention methods.

What are Bed Bugs?

They are small parasitic insects, also known as Cimex Lectularius. These insects have an oval shape and a brownish color. However, after feeding, their bodies turn into a reddish color and appear swollen. Although they can’t fly, bed bugs can move quickly over ceilings, walls, and floors.
Females lay hundreds of eggs that resemble specks of dust. Nymphs require blood to reach maturity and can develop in a month.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live?

Bed bugs love to stay undetected, but you’ll find them under couches, beds, clothing, and luggage. They do not create nests but live in groups. They hide in box springs, mattresses, and headboards, as this is where they can easily bite and get blood.

Bed Bug Bites

These parasites bite anywhere on the human body. Bites occur on the arms, legs, neck, face, hands, and shoulders. You may not feel the sting, but you’ll experience some bed bug bites symptoms like dots that have some minor irritation and inflammation. Are bed bug bites itchy? Definitely.

Do bed bug bites itch? Almost all bites will be itchy and get inflamed. You may experience other bed bug bites symptoms like:

•  Red bumps in a zigzag pattern
•  A burning sensation
•  An itchy bump with a swollen surrounding area
•  Inflammation on areas of skin with raised patches
•  Spots of dried blood from bites
•  White skin shed by nymphs

Although it’s rare, some people may experience severe reactions from a bed bug bite. Some of the symptoms that may need medical attention include:

•  Fever or feeling flu-like
•  Difficult breathing
•  Swollen tongue
•  Irregular heartbeat
•  Blisters

Treatment for Bed Bug Bites

The use of soap and water can help clean the wound. However, for an itchy bite, you may need to get hydrocortisone or an anti-itch cream. Antihistamines will help with the inflammation and swelling. It takes about a week for the wound to heal. In case of an inspection, the doctor may prescribe some antibiotics.

Bed Bug Professional Pest Control

If you suspect bed bug bites on your body, it’s a good idea to call a professional. Your bed bug problem will not go away on its own.

FAQs

Some common questions on bed bug bites include:

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites may differ from one person to another. Some people do not react, while others experience minor itching, swelling, and develop a rash.

How Can I Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites?

You can use soap and water to clean the wound. However, if the injury is itchy or inflamed, you may need an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream.