1. Bed Bugs Quiz: What's Your IQ?
2. Bed Bugs Slideshow Pictures
3. Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• Bed bugs facts
• What are bed bugs? What do bed bugs look like?
• Where are bed bugs found?
• What about bed bugs in hotels?
• How are bed bugs spread?
• What are the symptoms and signs of bed bug bites?
• What is the treatment for bed bug bites?
• How do I detect a bed bug infestation in my home?
• How do I get rid of bed bugs in the home?
• What about prevention of bed bug bites?
• Bed Bugs Quiz: What's Your IQ?
• Bed Bugs - Slideshow
• Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection
• Bed Bugs FAQs
• Patient Comments: Bed Bugs - Initial Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Bed Bugs - In Hotels
• Patient Comments: Bed Bugs - Prevention
• Patient Comments: Bed Bugs - Treatments
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Bed Bugs Index

Avoidance of infested areas is the method for prevention of bed bug bites. Recognition of bed bug infestation and proper treatment of affected rooms (usually with the help of a pest-control specialist) is the best way to prevent bed bugs in the home. Those concerned about the potential for bed bugs bites in hotels should examine hotel beds and mattresses for signs of a bed bug infestation. Sealing your mattress in a bed bug prevention casing can be beneficial.

Sleeping with the lights on has not been shown to be effective in preventing bed bug bites. Conventional insect and tick repellents are also not useful against bed bugs, so one should not try to avoid being bitten by using insect repellant at night.

REFERENCES:

Greenberg, L., and J. H. Klotz. "Pest Notes: Bed Bugs." Oakland: Univ. Calif. Nat. Agric. Res. Publ. 7454. Sept. 2002.

Harvard School of Public Health

Kolb, A., G.R. Needham, K.M. Neyman, and W.A. High. "Bedbugs." Dermatol Ther. 22.4 July-Aug. 2009: 347-352.

Potter, Michael. "Bed Bugs." University of Kentucky Entomology. Aug. 2008. <http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp>.

Thomas, I., G.G. Kihiczak, and R.A. Schwartz. "Bedbug Bites: A Review." Int J Dermatol 43 (2004): 430.