Bedbugs

After years of being very rare in the US, bedbugs are making a comeback. These bugs are small, about the size of an apple seed. They are reddish-brown, oval, and look slightly flattened. Bedbugs feed on human and animal blood, usually at night during sleep. Bedbugs are a nuisance. But they are not a major threat to your health. Read on to learn more about this bug and what to do if you are bitten.

Facts About Bedbugs

• Bedbugs are active mainly at night. During the day, they hide in dark places, often in and around where people or animals sleep. They are commonly found on mattresses and boxsprings and behind headboards. But they can hide anywhere.

• Bedbugs are small and hard to see. They are often carried from place to place in items like luggage, furniture, and clothing. This is why they spread so easily.

• Bedbugs are not attracted to dirt. Even the cleanest house or hotel can have bedbugs.

• Unlike mosquitoes, bedbugs do not transmit disease. If you are bitten, you do not have to worry about catching a blood-borne illness.

• Insect repellents have little effect on bedbugs.

• Adult bedbugs can live for several months without a blood feeding.

• Bedbugs are very hard to get rid of. Calling a professional exterminator is the best way to get rid of bedbugs. Treating the problem by yourself can make the problem worse.

• See Resources and Tips.

Signs of Bedbugs

Bites can be the first sign of a bedbug infestation. When inspecting for the bugs, look in crevices of mattresses and box springs, behind the headboard, and in and on objects near or under the bed. You may see the bugs themselves. Or you may see tiny dark stains on fabric or carpets. Smears of blood on sheets and nightclothes upon awakening are another sign. In some cases, the bugs are so well hidden they cannot be found unless items are taken apart.

Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs look for food at night. They bite while people or animals are sleeping. The bites are most often painless. Many people never know they’ve been bitten. However, some people develop an itchy red welt or swelling. And if a person has an allergic reaction, severe itching, blisters, or hives can develop. Bites are often on areas that are exposed, such as the head, neck, arms, and hands. Bedbug bites are not dangerous and don’t spread illness. But if the bite is scratched and the skin is broken and irritated, there is a chance that a skin infection can develop.

Treating Bites

Bite symptoms usually go away on their own within a week or two. During this time, over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone ointment or cream can help relieve itching and swelling. If itching is bad, an OTC oral antihistamine (such as Benadryl) can help. If an infection develops from scratching the bites, the healthcare provider can prescribe an antibiotic.

If you were bitten by bedbugs in your home, talk to a licensed pest-control professional or company. They can inspect your home and and help you get rid of the bugs safely.

When to Call the Doctor

If you have bites, call your doctor if you develop any of the following:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Signs of infection of the bites, such as increased swelling and pain, warmth, or oozing

• Signs of allergic reaction, such as hives, spreading rash, throat itching or swelling, or wheezing

Resources:

•   Search the Yellow Pages for professionals who can evaluate your problem and make suggestions to resolve the problem.

•   The local Library can assist you with searching on-line for sources to help you (317-398-7121).

•   The local Department of Health can assist you with questions and resources to help your problem (317-392-6470).

Tips/Avoiding Bedbugs

• Avoid buying used beds, but if you do buy used bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or other furniture, be sure to check them carefully for bedbugs before bringing them into your home.

• If bedbugs are found or suspected in the bed, using bed-bug excluding mattress and box spring encasement covers can seal them in where they will eventually die.

• When traveling, remove linens from the top of the bed and inspect the mattress and headboard for signs of the bugs. Place luggage on a hard surface such as a table or on a luggage rack and not on the floor.

• If you suspect you were exposed to bedbugs while traveling, wash all clothing in hot water directly upon your return. Put non-washable items in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.

• Never pick up items discarded on the street—such as bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture—for use in your home. These items may carry bedbugs.

•  Bedbugs like to hide in all kinds of places. Check your personal items such as purses, bags, or back packs for any signs of bedbugs before leaving home.

• Before you leave home, dry your clothes on HIGH HEAT for 30 minutes. This will kill any bedbugs that may be on your clothing.

• Put freshly washed clothes in bags that are tightly sealed to prevent bedbugs from getting onto your clothing.