Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects. In adults, they have flat bodies similar to an apple seed which changes after feeding; they swell up and turn into a reddish color. These troublesome household pests do not have wings, but can hastily crawl up on walls, ceilings, and over floors. They lay about a hundred eggs over a lifetime and produce at least three generations per year.

Traveling is one of the many causes of bed bug infestation. Usually undetected, they hide in luggage, clothing, couches, and other items. The shape of their bodies make it easy for them to sneak into places that allow easy access to bite people at night.

At the early stages of their settling, unlike other insects, bed bugs do not have nesting grounds and would rather be in groups. As their numbers increase, they start scattering anywhere possible. 

Bed bugs are mostly active at night as it is the easiest way to feed when humans are asleep. This can last up from three to 10 minutes using their elongated beaks to pierce the skin and withdraw blood.

Their bites are initially painless which then develop into itchy welts. These can be found on any part of the skin that is exposed during the feeding time. Unlike other insect bites, bed bug bites do not have a red spot on the center.

To distinguish if whether or not there are bed bugs, here are signs to keep an eye on:

●     Waking up with multiple small insect bites and bloodstains on the sheets

●     Insect feces that appear in clusters of tiny spots with a darker, rust, or black color

●     Musty insect scent on cushions 

If any of these signs are present, there are multiple ways on bed bug removal such as bed bug heat treatment. It is still the safest, but most expensive method, is to hire an expert on bed bug removal.

Bed bug removal is not an impossible task. At the first sign of infestation, it is best to remove all bedding and check every crevice of the space including other parts of the room other than the bed.

When it has been confirmed that there is indeed an infestation, apply the following methods:

●     Clean beddings, linen, or any cloth exposed in hot water and dry them on the highest heat possible. This is called the bed bug heat treatment and is the most efficient way to eliminate and prevent bed bugs from scattering.

●     Use a stiff brush to comb through the tight corners of the bed before vacuuming. This is to remove the eggs.

●     Clean the area surrounding the infested material

●     Enclose cracks with plaster and properly attach peeling wallpaper

As the common phrase goes, prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips on how to avoid a bed bug infestation:

• After traveling, check all your things, clothes, and luggage. Sanitize all items thoroughly.
• Install mattress encasements.
• Often vacuum and steam your beds, curtains, carpets, and other furniture.
• Set traps under the legs of your beds.
• Keep the surroundings clean & avoid clutter.
• Fix cracks.

While they don’t transmit diseases and are not fatal, they can cause major inconveniences like scratch wounds, reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and stress–the thought of sleeping on a mattress with bed bugs does not make for good sleep. Take precaution with our few tips and make yourself safe from bed bugs.