Do I Have Bed Bugs in My Bed?

What to do when the worst happens…

Waking up with red, itchy welts? You might think it’s a spider or mosquito bite but, while it’s horrifying to consider a bed bug infestation, it’s more common than you might think. If you’re concerned you may have bed bugs in your home, it’s time to get serious and take action.

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects (roughly the size of a ladybug) that live in soft furnishings (sofas, beds, etc.) and feed off of human blood at night. Although they feed every 5-10 days, they can lie dormant for over a year. They avoid light and move quickly so while you’re stripping the sheets and blankets off your bed, look closely – bed bugs are easily visible to the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are the size of a grain of rice, while newly hatched offspring are the size of poppy seeds.

For bugs that feed off of human blood, bedrooms provide an ideal breeding ground. Sadly, the problem is not waning. According to a survey by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), “bed bugs are overwhelmingly found in private residences including apartments, condominiums and single-family homes and the incidence of infestations in these environments is slightly higher compared to the 2011 findings.”

Are bed bugs dangerous?

While admitting you have bed bugs can be embarrassing, research shows the bugs do not transmit disease – but that doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous.

According to Medical News Today, “About 50% of people who are bitten show no symptoms at all and do not know it happened. This makes it more difficult to prevent or identify potential infestations. Some individuals, however, may become ill and nauseous. It is possible get skin infections and scars from scratching the bites.”

Treating a bed bug Infestation

If you think you have bed bugs, begin by calling in an exterminator for a professional analysis and quote. A licensed exterminator can inspect your house and treat hot spots with insecticide but the bulk of the work will be on your shoulders. According to Wikipedia, a combination of approach is needed as there is no known effective pesticide to guarantee complete eradication of bed bugs.

If you think you may have bed bugs in your home or just want to learn more about them, the resources below are jam-packed with information:

• Bedbugger.com
• North America Bed Bug Registry 
• Bed Bug Facts
• Managing Bed Bugs

Prevention

One way to help prevent bed bugs and other unwanted critters in the bed, is to invest in a mattress protector. A mattress protector is a fitted sheet that goes over the mattress and underneath your standard sheet sets. They also help keep your mattress clean by blocking sweat or water that may leak through the mattress during the night.

We carry several high quality mattress protectors that are hypoallergenic, machine washable and in a thin fitted sheet style so you won’t even know it is there. To learn more about mattress protectors we carry, visit our accessory page on our website found here.

This blog was originally published on Restonic.com and does not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on Restonic.com. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.