The five signs you have a bed bug infestation and how you can treat bites… – The Sun

EVEN looking at a bed bug can make your skin crawl - so the last thing you want is for your bed to actually be riddled with them.

The infestations can be nasty and if you're bitten by the critters it can be painful.

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But what can you do to tackle an infestation, how does it occur and how can you treat bites? Here's all you need to know...

Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects that can be found in the joints of your mattress - adults are about 5mm long.

They crawl out at night and feed on human blood after biting through exposed skin.

Typically they are brown, dark yellow or red in colour, are flat and oval-shaped and are the size of an apple seed.

Although they arent dangerous, they can cause extreme discomfort and stress to those who are bitten by them.

They cant jump or fly, but can crawl long distances, so can quickly spread throughout a building.

Baby bed bugs - called nymphs - shed their skin five times before reaching adulthood and need a blood meal before each shedding.

There are quite obvious signs that you have been infected with bed bugs, the first indication shows up on your skin...

Bed bug bites are painless and often clear up on their own, but some people can have a reaction to the red, itchy bumps on the skin.

In some cases people can experience a rash or fluid-filled blisters and they can get infected with bacteria if scratched.

You can put something cool, like a clean, damp cloth, on the affected area to help with the itching and any swelling.

Keep the infected area clean and prevent infection by not scratching the bite.

You should see your GP if you have any signs of skin infection such as swelling, redness and pain as you may need antibiotics.

The NHS also says you should see a GP if a redness around the bite is spreading.

If they are very itchy you can use antihistaminetablets to relieve the itch and apply a mildsteroid cream(such as hydrocortisone).

You should also clean your bedsheets.

How can you prevent a bed bug infestation?

Inspect your mattress and bed regularly for signs of an infestation.

Avoid buying second-hand mattresses and carefully inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home.

Keep your bedroom tidy and remove clutter.

Bedbugs aren't attracted to dirt, so they're not a sign of an unclean home, but clearing up any clutter will reduce the number of places they can hide.

If you live in an apartment, you could be more prone to infestation, as bed bugs can move between flats.

It can be extremely difficult to get rid of an infestation, so your best bet may be to get professional help.

Once in your home,bedbugscan quickly spread from room to room.

Wait too long before you identify the problem, and they could completely contaminate yourhome.

The NHS advises contacting your local council or a pest control firm that's a member of the British Pest Control Association or National Pest Technicians Association.

Heres what you should do to get rid of an infestation:

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The five signs you have a bed bug infestation and how you can treat bites... - The Sun