Bed Bug FAQs

As more and more people are finding out about the dangers of bed bugs, it is normal for them to have questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common questions that people ask:

1. What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on people and animals’ blood while they are sleeping. They are reddish-brown, have no wings, and can live several months without consuming blood.

2. What are the symptoms of a bed bug infestation?
One of the easiest ways to identify is by the bite marks on one’s neck, face, hands or any other exposed body parts while sleeping. These bite marks may not show up until 14 days later. Some other signs to look for include their exoskeletons, brownish colored blood spots, and musty odors.

3. Who is at risk for getting bed bugs?
Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs if an area is infected. Anybody that travels a lot is at a higher risk of contracting bed bugs. People who also share a living space with others also have a higher risk of getting bitten or spreading bed bug infestations.

4. How do you treat bed bugs?
These types of bug bites are not very serious. The best bed bugs treatment is to stop scratching the area and put antiseptic creams on the affected area. You also might want to consider taking an antihistamine if it is really itchy.

5. Are bed bugs a serious epidemic for homeowners in the US?
There are more and more cases of bed bugs cropping up in major cities in the US. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases but can cause a lot of discomfort and stress. The rise in bed bugs could be due to the increased number of international and domestic travelers. It could also be attributed to people not understanding how to spot and prevent bed bugs from appearing in their home.

6. What recommendations are there for homeowners to prevent bed bugs from appearing in their home?
There are many ways to prevent bed bugs from entering the home. The EPA has over 300 registered products that you can use to get rid of bed bugs. Be careful to follow the instructions provided when using any product. You can also consider consulting a bed bug professional if you have a huge problem with bed bugs. Some other ways to prevent bed bugs are using luggage racks to hold your luggage, washing your clothes and bed sheets in hot water, and carefully inspecting mattresses on occasion.

7. How do I know if I have been bitten?
Many people do not realize that they have been bitten until bite marks appear, which can happen anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. These bite marks can look like a mosquito bite or one from a flea. They may be random bites or appear in a straight line. Some other symptoms include sleeplessness and anxiety.