The bite of a bed bug is painless. After using their sharp beak to pierce the skin of a host, bed bugs inject a salivary fluid containing an anticoagulant that helps them obtain blood. The salivary fluid typically causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, although individuals can differ in their sensitivity.
Bed bugs feed during a person’s most vulnerable time – sleep. Because we don’t “catch them in the act” the result of their bites may go unnoticed, or can be mistaken for the bites of other pests and/or sensitivity to other items. All people react differently to bed bug bites, so while some victims break out in rashes from the bites, other people may not display symptoms.
Bed bugs have been discovered to harbor 28 different human pathogens, but fortunately, the transmission of these diseases to people has not been confirmed scientifically. Some individuals respond to bed bug infestations with anxiety, stress, and insomnia – others suffer tremendously when infestation are identified, completely uprooting their lives. Symptoms vary from person to person It can take anywhere from 2 days to 4 weeks to display symptoms 60% of the population does not display symptoms after a bed bug bite.
Signs of Bed Bugs
The best way to determine if you have an infestation is to look for bed bugs where you sleep (or rest) and where you typically set down luggage (or bags). Your luggage and places where your luggage may be stored are also some of the first areas to look.
In bedrooms, investigate around box springs, mattresses, bed frames, behind wallpaper, clocks and pictures, cracks in wood floors, and under the edge of the carpet, you may see bed bugs. Dark blood spots on sheets and bedding may indicate bed bug feeding. Cast skins will indicate molting stages.
What to do for an Infestation
Don’t panic. Although bed bugs can be annoying, they can be treated safely and successfully if you adopt a well-planned strategy. Do not apply pesticides! Generally, landlords, owners, and building managers cannot legally apply pesticides. They should, instead, hire a licensed Pest Control Service Provider to develop an integrated pest management plan.
Do not dispose of furniture that is infested. Placing infested furniture (particularly mattresses) into common areas or on the street may simply help spread bed bugs to the homes of other people. Infested furniture intended for disposal should be defaced to make it less attractive to other people.
Contact us to schedule a consultation to clear up any bed bug infestation you may have.
