What are the symptoms of Bed Bugs?
What are the symptoms of Bed Bugs?
Symptoms of bed bugs consist of swollen, pink to red bumps that look like
mosquito bites. Whereas a mosquito will bite at random, bed bugs bite along the
path of your veins. Bed bug bites are quite itchy but medical professionals
haven’t found them capable of transmitting diseases.
Any response to a bed bug bite is in reality an allergic reaction referred to as
hypersensitivity. Initially, you may not have any response when the bed bugs
begin sucking out your blood, but as the feasting continues like an all you can
eat buffet, you will begin to notice red swollen areas that can become quite
itchy. What you will notice is that the bites are all in a line; this is due to
the bed bug sampling his way down the path of your vein. Typically, you will
develop welts or blisters on the area of your skin that was bitten. Bed bug
bites have a tendency to resemble canker sores. Normally, skin bumps will
develop within twelve hours after bed bugs have sucked out your blood. After a
day or two passes, bed bug bites will be at their largest and most inflamed
state. On the third day you may have such an intense urge to itch; it could get
unbearable at times.
Where do bed bugs usually bite us? The first most popular place for a bed bug to
stick it’s beak into is the arms. Ankles and legs are also favorites. It is not
common for a bed bug to bite you on your face, neck, or core.
Blisters and hives will develop in areas where allergic reactions are sizable.
If you have asthma, bed bug bites can bring on an attack. You can’t see this
symptom, but repetitive and constant biting can cause one to become anemic,
especially if your iron levels are not that high to begin with.
Symptoms are not just physical. The emotional stresses of bed bugs can bring
about nervousness and insomnia. Who wants to go to sleep at night worrying that
some little disgusting insect is going to use its beak to pierce through your
flesh and suck up your blood with its two hollow “straws?”
The best thing that you can do for your bed bug bites is not to scratch them.
Excessive itching can bring on an infection. Anti-itch cream and a pill like
Benedryl will help keep the itching under control. You may need an antibiotic if
an infection does occur. Bed bug bites will usually go away in about a week or
so.
How did the bed bugs get into your home? Have you just recently returned from a
vacation? It is possible that your hotel was infested and you brought them back
on your clothes or in your luggage. More and more hotels are now being found to
be infected with bed bugs. Did you purchase anything from a thrift store?
Pre-owned mattresses, bed frames, and furniture are big offenders. To ensure
total elimination get rid of anything that you recently purchased second hand.
If you do have bed bugs, it’s not the end of the world. It may seem that way,
and to have an infestation is certainly a major headache, but there are things
you can do to eliminate bed bugs from your home. There are safe, pesticide free
products containing a substance called diatomaceous earth. This white powdery
substance acts like tiny razor edged swords that cut away at the exoskeleton of
the bed bugs leaving them to dehydrate and die. Just sprinkle diatomaceous earth
anywhere you have seen a bed bug and as they travel through it they will become
history.
Getting rid of bed bugs will be your primary concern. Refer back to this site
for helpful articles on bed bug eradication.
By: Bradley Skierkowski