Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are bed bugs?
- How common are bed bugs?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of bed bugs?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes bed bugs?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for bed bugs?
- Drugs & Medicines
- How are bed bugs diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for bed bugs?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat bed bugs?
Definition
What are bed bugs?
Bed bug is a term commonly used for a type of insect that feeds on human or animal blood while it sleeps. Bedbugs are brownish in color which then turn red after eating blood.
Bed bugs can move quickly from one place to another such as floors, walls or ceilings without flying because that's not what they do. Like most other insects, bed bugs have a very fast reproductive rate. One female can produce three or more generations per year, and she can produce hundreds of eggs while alive.
Bed bugs reach maturity through the shedding process after eating up to 5 times. Bed bugs that are immature are called nymphs. The ideal living conditions will help bed bugs fully develop in as fast as 1 month, coupled with their reproductive rate, your room could easily become a bed bug colony in a very short time.
How common are bed bugs?
With the size of an apple seed, bed bugs can easily be found usually in crevices, mattresses, bed frames or anywhere else that can lead them to food during bedtime. There are lots of bed bugs in hotels, and they can move from room to room or even come out on a visitor's personal belongings such as suitcases, backpacks, etc. Bedbugs can affect patients at any age. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of bed bugs?
Common symptoms of bed bugs are:
- Along with bedbug appearance, there are some faint signs that you are accompanied by something other than an itchy mark that may not be from a mosquito bite.
- Blood stains on bed.
- Dark, rusty bed bug droppings, egg shells and peeling skin on bed mattresses, crevices or anywhere else possible for hiding.
- Musty smell.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.
Cause
What causes bed bugs?
Because they are creatures of blood, you can catch bed bugs almost anywhere. Some could be living in your friend's house, office, gym, shop, hotel or on a used sofa, on a pile of clothes sold by the side of the road, and so on. With their physical agility, bed bugs can jump into your bag or even your body without you knowing it and follow you home. The presence of bedbugs doesn't mean that your room is dirty, it just means that you accidentally had an uninvited friend.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for bed bugs?
You can easily catch bed bugs all over the place.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How are bed bugs diagnosed?
It is difficult to diagnose whether you have been bitten by bedbugs or not. As soon as you notice signs of this condition, immediately check for the following signs:
- Black spot: bed bug droppings. Check the location around the mattress, pillow, sofa.
- Rust or redness stains. A red stain found on your bed linen is evidence of bedbugs in your home.
What are the treatments for bed bugs?
The best way to treat bed bugs is to call in an exterminator to do the job. Make sure that the insecticide can be used on the bed area, or you will get sick from it. And because bed bugs are so good at reproducing, you'll have to call in an exterminator sooner or later.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat bed bugs?
The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with bed bugs:
- Clean your bed including sheets and pillows.
- Curtains are also a good place for bed bugs, so don't miss them.
- Scrub the mattress to remove nits before cleaning or vacuuming. Be prepared to buy a new mattress if you have to, and remember to clean everything before buying a new mattress.
- Pay attention to the cracks in the walls as this is an ideal hiding location, so get rid of it by fixing it and sticking it back if you are using wallpaper.
- Tidy up your room, keep it tidy, organize your pile of clothes.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.
