Many of us attribute qualities like dirtiness and disease to all manner of bugs, including bed bugs, but before you let bed bugs ruin your day, consider how much of a threat they actually are. Much of the anxiety of a bed bug infestation can be based on misconceptions and lack of knowledge. You might have a lot of bed bugs temporarily hanging out, but dealing with an infestation doesn’t have to be a scary project. Continue reading to learn about bed bugs and how manageable they really are when you think about it.
Bed bugs are often associated with a lack of proper hygiene or cleanliness, but a spacious, spotless home is just as likely to be infested with bed bugs as a cramped, dirty home. Bed bugs are not picky critters and will just as soon populate a clean space as an unclean one so long as that space is warm and close to a food source. Since bed bugs are nocturnal and most of us sleep at night, our beds are their most common hiding places. Cleanliness is irrelevant, and in fact, bed bugs are not known to transmit human diseases.
Bed bugs feed on blood, which can be human or animal, so it’s a good idea to keep track of your pet’s itches and scratches in case you yourself do not experience a reaction to being bitten. The bite itself is fairly painless at first and may develop into an itchy red spot or welt very similar in appearance to a mosquito or flea bite. These bites can be treated at home with any over-the-counter antihistamine cream or pill and should go away within one to two weeks. Scratching the bite is never advisable. Instead, try putting a hot washcloth directly onto the affected skin.
Rare allergic reactions have occurred. See a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed on this eMedicineHealth page.
Sure, bed bugs are a pain, but they don’t have to ruin your day. Our bed bug exterminator in Seattle can handle the messy part, so you don’t have to worry.