Bed bugs are wingless insects that hide in mattress seams, box springs and crevices of furniture and other personal belongings. They are often found in homes, hotels, dormitories, schools and other places where people sleep or rest. They are also commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, theaters and offices.
Bed Bugs are a serious pest that can be difficult to eliminate. Typically they require an experienced, knowledgeable and trained pest professional to get rid of them.
The first sign that a bed bug infestation exists is the presence of small red, itchy bites. These bites can be very itchy and may even cause a person to scratch themselves. A second symptom is small blood stains on your sheets.
You can check your sheets for blood stains and also look carefully at the seams of your mattress or box spring. It’s a good idea to inspect your entire bed before you sleep in it so that you can be sure it is clean and free of pests.
Your skin may become itchy and swollen after a bed bug bite, similar to a flea bite. This may take a few days to develop. The itching may be so intense that you’ll want to use a pain reliever and/or apply a cold compress.
This itching can be a problem for children, and it can lead to a severe allergic reaction. This is why it’s so important to keep young kids away from bed bugs.
The bites usually come out during the night, but can occur at any time. Unlike flea bites, which are more common around the ankles, bed bug bites tend to happen where you sleep and on any exposed body part.
Some people do not experience any itching at all after a bite, while others may have rashes or other dermal symptoms. Regardless of the type, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have a severe reaction or any other medical condition.
Another symptom that can point to a bed bug problem is a strong, foul odor. This odor can be caused by the pheromones that bed bugs release. The smell can be especially noticeable if you have large numbers of bed bugs in your home or room.
It is also a good idea to check your pillowcases and mattress covers, as these are the areas where bed bugs are most likely to hide. It’s a good idea to wash the covers in hot water and dry them on high heat to remove any bugs that are hiding inside.
The itching and swelling from a bed bug bite can be so severe that you will have trouble getting a full night’s sleep. This is why it’s so important not to try to self-treat, and instead seek professional help as soon as possible.
You should also be sure to thoroughly vacuum all of your belongings, including mattress seams, baseboards, and other infested areas of your home. Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to eliminate bed bugs, and it’s essential to do it on a regular basis.