Bedbugs are parasitic insects that survive by feeding on the blood of other living things, most notably humans.
When a bedbug feeds on a person, they do so by biting the skin.
In some cases, it can take days for a reaction to occur to a bedbug bite.
Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images
In many cases, a bedbug bite doesnt require treatment.
However, to ease the symptoms that occur, its best to treat them quickly.
Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images
What Do Bedbug Bites Look Like?
The bites may also become itchy and turn into small welts on the skin.
Sometimes, people mistake bedbug bites for other insect bites or skin conditions, such ashivesorchicken pox.
Other characteristics of bedbug bites to look out for include:
Can You Feel Bedbug Bites?
When bedbugs feed, they release a chemical similar to an anesthetic that numbs the skin.
They also inject an anticoagulant to keep the blood from clotting while they feed.
The combination of the anesthetic and the anticoagulant keeps you from feeling the bites when they occur.
You may notice bites in the morning upon waking.
Medical treatments that may be needed include:
How Many People Have Severe Reactions to Bedbug Bites?
Roughly 26% of people between the ages of 11 and 65 experience no reaction to a bedbug bite.
After 65, approximately 42% of people dont experience a reaction.
How to Get Rid of Bedbugs
Bedbug infestations are notoriously difficult to deal with.
The best way to manage an infestation is to address it promptly and with the proper methods.
The first step is cleaning household objects that bedbugs can hide in quickly as possible.
Mattresses, clothes, curtains, bedding, mattress pads, and other upholstered itemsmust be thoroughly cleaned.
If you cannot wash items, they must be disposed of.
You must also steam-clean and vacuum your home using a full.
Vacuums with a cloth bag will not be effective against bedbugs because they can become infested with bedbugs.
Pest control professionals will heat your entire home using space heaters and fans.
Chemical treatment is another option that can help eliminate bedbugs and prevent infestations from occurring again.
Bedbugs are also excellent hitchhikers, so watching for bedbugs while traveling is essential.
They will suggest various ways to deal with the bites and offer advice on how to avoid infection.
You should always check for bedbugs while on vacation to ensure you don’t bring any home.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Bedbugs: Diagnosis and treatment.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.How to find bed bugs.
Health Canada.Bedbugs: how do I get rid of them?
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Management.Non-chemical bedbug management.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.Pesticides to control bed bugs.
