A bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a small, flat, parasitic insect that feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other mammals while the hosts are asleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown, have no wings, can vary in size from 1mm to 7mm (about the size of Lincoln’s head on a coin), and can go months without a blood meal.
Where are bedbugs?
Bugs that feed on blood can be found in every continent except Antarctica. Although bed bugs have been more of a concern in third-world countries in the past, they have recently been found in increasing numbers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. It is not the cleanliness of the living conditions that attract bed bugs; instead, it is the presence of other hosts, such as human beings.
As their name implies, bed bugs are commonly found in, on, or near beds. Bed bug exterminator in Toronto, like homes, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, ships, trains, buses, and dorms, fall into this category. Bugs spend the day concealed in various areas around a bed, including the crevices and seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, wallpaper, and other detritus. While bed bugs have been proven to travel over 100 feet in a single night, they typically congregate within about 8 feet of a person’s sleeping area.
Bed bug disease
Bed bugs have a bad reputation for being disease carriers. Bed bugs do not carry the following diseases, despite the widespread belief that they do:
- Chagas disease
- Leprosy
- Q-fever
- Sores or brucellosis
Symptoms and Signs of a bed bug infestation
Bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or other body parts while sleeping are one of the easiest ways to recognize a bed bug infestation. Bite marks may not appear for up to 14 days after encountering a bed bug, so it’s crucial to seek additional indicators to confirm a bed bug infestation. Among these symptoms are:
- bed bug exoskeletons after a molt
- live bugs tucked away in the crevices of sheets and mattresses
- rusty-colored blood stains where bed bugs have excreted their bloody feces, and
- a sweet, musty odor.
Do bed bugs carry disease?
Bed bugs rarely transmit infectious diseases. As their name suggests, bed bugs are a nuisance since they can cause itching and create disturbance in sleep. Scratching excessively in response to irritation is a known risk factor for developing a subsequent skin infection.
Bed bugs are not known to spread disease through their bites, although they harbor disease-causing organisms. A total of 45 bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other diseases have been found on the bodies of bed bugs. Neither the bed bugs nor the bacteria can serve as a host for further multiplication. There are no evidence bed bugs spread disease to people.
Are Bed Bugs a Health Risk?
Even though bed bugs can not pass diseases on to humans through their bites, there are still several dangers involved with having an infestation of bed bugs or getting bitten by bed bugs. Different people react differently to bites. This means that while some people may have mild symptoms, others may have severe ones! Itchy welts may develop if a bite is inflamed or rubbed. Potentially life-threatening secondary skin infections may be allowed to develop on open wounds. An allergic response is another unusual but probable symptom. Still, you should consult a medical professional if you have significant health issues related to bed bugs.
Conclusion
Bites from a bed bug are not typically life-threatening. Avoid scratching the affected area; apply an antiseptic cream or lotion and take an antihistamine for the most significant results when treating a bite. Insecticide spraying is a frequent method of dealing with bed bug infestations. Your best bet if you think you have a bed bug infestation is to contact a pest control service that has experience dealing with such problems. Inspection for the telltale indications of a bed bug infestation is the best defense against a bed insect infestation.
