Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

It's likely that many of us used to hop into bed with the saying: "Goodnight...sleep tight...don't let the bed bugs bite!" However, are you aware that bed bugs are a completely real (and sometimes dangerous) pest? These persistent parasites have been making a comeback in recent years, and people are often victimized without at first realizing it.

According to The Harvard School of Public Health, these insects feed entirely on warm-blooded animals. This same source describes them as being the size of a poppy seed after hatching; adults, however, can grow to be 1/4 of an inch in length. Of course, because of their miniature size, they are often hard to detect, and may multiply silently over a long period.

True to their name, they often seek shelter in mattresses, and may also hide underneath carpets or in wall cracks, according to Bed Bugs Info. If your house or apartment is infested, you may noticed blood spots around your bed, or any other place that you rest or sleep.

A Brief History

In the United States, bed bugs were a common problem prior to World War II; this was partly due to the fact that many people did not practice good hygiene, and available pesticides were not strong enough. When DDT reached popular use in the 1940s and '50s, the species practically disappeared in the U.S., according to The University of Kentucky Department of Entomology. However, they remained a threat in other continents, particularly Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

Physical Appearance

Due to their similar appearance, bed bugs are often mistaken for ticks or cockroaches, explains the University of Kentucky Entomology Department. Their eggs, which are microscopic and white-colored, are very difficult to see without some kind of magnification. In temperatures of 70 degrees-80 degrees, the bugs can go through an entire life cycle in as little as 30 days. They are also highly adaptable, able to go for months without food (as nymphs) or over a year (as adults). Though they do not make nests, like ants or wasps, they do assemble in places where they are less likely to be detected (such as underneath couch cushions).

Symptoms

If you are bitten by a bed bug, the symptoms may vary. According to The Mayo Clinic, they usually leave red spots, also called papules or wheals. Mayo Clinic experts say that you may develop large wheals up to eight inches (20 cm) across, welts that resemble blisters, or allergic reactions, not unlike hives. They also recommend that if you suffer from such severe allergic reactions, it is best to seek a doctor's advice. If you are bitten, they say, you may apply a topical cream (e.g. cortisone) to lessen the itching. As with mosquito and tick bites, you should not scratch them! The Clinic's experts also warn that oral antibiotics may be needed, should you incure an infection.

Prevention Hints

The Mayo Clinic recommends thoroughly checking any antiques or secondhand furniture before placing them in your home. They also, of course, recommend regular visits by an exterminator, particularly if you have seen any of the bugs in your residence.

If traveling, the clinic says it is wise to inspect any hotel or motel room you may be staying in, as infestations are common there. It is also recommended that you inspect any luggage following a stay in such lodging spots, as this is how the bugs often travel. In addition, they recommend vacuuming your house or apartment at least weekly, particularly around beds and other furniture.

If using insecticide, the clinic says to use "sprays containing dichlorvos, permethrin or malathion around cracks and crevices in your home." They mention that many lawn and garden insecticides contain these chemicals; expert extermination, however, is the most effective.

Sleep Tight?

The above details are only suggestions; if you think you may have an infestation, it is best to contact an exterminator. If you do see any signs, however, do not wait! Household remedies are often ineffective, and ignoring the problem will only cause it to grow.

That being said...sleep tight.

Resources:

Harvard School of Public Health: Bed Bugs

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Bed Bugs - by Michael F. Potter

Bed Bugs Info

Mayo Clinic: Causes of Bedbugs