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What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincolns head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal.

Bed bugs are found across the globe from North and South America, to Africa, Asia and Europe. Although the presence of bed bugs has traditionally been seen as a problem in developing countries, it has recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.

Bed bug infestations usually occur around or near the areas where people sleep. These areas include apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms. They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.

Bed bugs should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Bite responses can range from an absence of any physical signs of the bite, to a small bite mark, to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.

One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs include:

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It is hard to tell if youve been bitten by a bed bug unless you find bed bugs or signs of infestation. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Most people do not realize they have been bitten until bite marks appear anywhere from one to several days after the initial bite. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea -- a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bites.

Because bed bug bites affect everyone differently, some people may have no reaction and will not develop bite marks or any other visible signs of being bitten. Other people may be allergic to the bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.

Originally posted here:
CDC - Bed Bugs - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Mel Frank

Mel Frank is a professional freelance writer with over 15 years of writing experience. She has completed a wide variety of writing assignments for a number of publications that include CNN and various websites. Frank received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a prestigious university in Pennsylvania.

Bedbugs are small ectoparasites that feed off the blood of mammals. They are found mostly in beds and linens, because this is an easy place for them to feed off humans. Bedbugs are often brought into the home when returning from a vacation destination that was infested, as they can easily crawl into linens, clothing and suitcases. Most bedbug bites can be treated at home, though extremely severe bites require medical attention.

Most bedbug bites are mild and can easily be treated at home. When you experience a bite, resist the urge to scratch, even though it may be itchy. Scratching will increase irritation and inflammation. Instead, dab a cotton ball or swab in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and rub over the bite. This will kill any bacteria, and ease itching and inflammation. Next, use calamine lotion to prevent itching and alleviate pain. If the bite becomes swollen, use an icepack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Cover with ice for 15 to 20 minutes, and the inflammation will be greatly reduced.

While most bites can be treated at home, allergic reactions can sometimes occur, preventing the bite from healing naturally and causing skin to become more inflamed. Consult with a physician if symptoms worsen, as a doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine to reduce allergic reaction, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. You may also be given a prescription for a stronger type of anti-inflammatory cream that will heal the bites more quickly.

If bedbugs have infested your living quarters, it's important to wash linens on a daily basis. Wash all sheets, pillows and blankets in hot water, and dry on high heat. Also vacuum the entire house thoroughly to get rid of any bedbugs that may be lingering in the carpet. This includes under beds, which is an area that is often neglected. Mattress bags are also available. These heavy-duty plastic bags encase the entire mattress, creating an airtight seal, which prevents bedbugs from escape. Wrap the mattress in this bag, then clean the house thoroughly to kill any lingering bedbugs. Chemical sprays are available at most hardware and superstores, or a disinfectant spray like Lysol will work as well.

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