Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs, those tiny pests that have made a formidable comeback in recent years, can turn a peaceful night’s sleep into an uncomfortable nightmare. Known scientifically as Cimex lectularius, these nocturnal insects are notorious for their blood-feeding habits, which often result in itchy bites that can leave people feeling anxious and frustrated.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are very tiny, flat, oval-shaped insects that are usually less than 6-7 millimeters in size. Adult bed bugs tend to reddish-brown in color. Bed bugs are most active when it is a little warmer indoors, which makes a cozy bedroom an appealing environment. Because of their aforementioned size and shape, bed bugs are likely to hide inside furniture, bedding and wallpaper. Bed bugs mostly feed at night on the blood of sleeping humans and animals. However, bed bugs do not transmit diseases, although their bites can cause significant discomfort and swelling of the affected area of skin.
How Do Bed Bugs Bite?
Bed bugs have specialized mouth that enables them to pierce human or animal skin as they draw out the blood. Moreover, while feeding, bed bugs inject saliva that contains anticoagulants, which help prevent blood clotting. This saliva is the main cause of itching and skin irritation that often accompany bed bug bites.
Recognizing Bed Bug Bites – Symptoms and Signs
Identifying bed bug bites is not as easy as it might seem. Why? That is because bed bug bites tend to look similar to those from other insects, such as mosquitos. However, there are a few common characteristics can help tell bed bug bites from other insect bites:
- Appearance: Bed bug bites usually look like small, red, swollen bumps. They may develop into raised welts over time.
- Locations: Bed bug bites usually appear in close groups or rows on the arms, shoulders and legs, because bed bugs prefer to feed on exposed areas of the body.
- Itching: Bed bug bites can be extremely itchy, leading to a lot of scratching. This in turn, can further irritate the skin, possibly resulting in secondary infections.
- Time Frame: The reaction time can vary based on individual sensitivities; some people might feel immediate itchiness, while others may not notice the bites until days later.
Treating Bed Bug Bites
If you have determined that you do in fact, have bed bug bites, we recommend doing the following to help alleviate the symptoms:
- Wash the Affected Area: It is important to clean any bed bug bites with a mild soapy water to reduce the risk of infection.
- Use Anti-itch Cream: You may want to purchase an over-the-counter, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion from your local pharmacy or supermarket. This can alleviate some of the itchiness as well as reduce any swelling.
- Take Antihistamines: An oral antihistamine might help to mitigate any allergic reactions as well as relieve the itchiness.
- Cold Compress: Placing a cold compress against the affected area of skin may help to reduce swelling and soothe the skin.
- Avoid Scratching: While the urge to scratch can be strong, it’s essential to avoid it to prevent infection.
Now, that you have identified and treated your bed bug bites, it is very important to contact a professional bed bug exterminator to rid your home of these pesky critters.