Things to know about bed bugs bites
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval insects that feed by sucking blood from humans or other warm-blooded animals. The effect of bed bugs on human health and reports of bedbug infestations of certain hotels has received media attention in recent years.
How big are bed bugs?
Bed bugs do not fly. Adult bed bugs are 5-7 mm in length.
Where do bed bugs live?
Bed bugs are pests that can live anywhere in the home. They can live in cracks in furniture or in any type of textile, including upholstered furniture. Bed bug infestations are most common in beds, including the mattress, box springs, and bed frames. Bed bugs are most active at night. These pests may bite any exposed areas of skin while an individual is sleeping. Common locations for bed bug bites are the face, neck, hands, and arms.
Are bed bug bites painful?
A bed bug bite is painless and is generally not noticed. The bites may be mistaken for a rash of another cause. Small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin are the most common sign. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and itching.
How do you know if you have bed bugs?
Fecal stains or rust-colored dark spots, egg cases, and shed skins (exuviae) of bed bugs in crevices and cracks on or near beds are suggestive of infestations, but only observing the bugs themselves can confirm an active infestation. A professional pest control company may be required to help identify and remove bed bugs from the home.
What home remedies and medications treat and get rid of bed bugs?
Home remedies for bed bug bites include measures to control itchings, such as oatmeal baths or cool compresses. Typically, no treatment is required for bed bug bites. If itching is severe, steroid creams or oral antihistamines may be used for symptom relief.