BED BUGS
Bed bugs are parasitic pest insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They often spread through luggage,
clothing, and used furniture, hitching a ride from one location to another. Once inside a home, they can quickly
infest mattresses, bedding, and upholstery. Their small flat bodies and the ability to conceal
inside cracks and crevices make them difficult to find and eliminate.
Bed Bugs Appearance
Adult bed bugs typically measure a few millimetres, resembling an apple seed in shape, size and colour. They are wingless and are not able to jump or fly. Their body shape allows them to hide in tiny crevices and quickly move over surfaces. When magnified, bed bugs are covered
with fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance.
Bed bugs have oval body shapes. Unfed bed bugs have a flat, disk-like appearance, while recently fed ones become more elongated and balloon-like.
Bed bugs have a distinct appearance that can aid in their identification. They measure around 5 mm long. Their body can double in size after feeding. Nymphs, bed bugs young, resemble adults but are smaller.
The colour of bed bugs can change depending on whether they have recently been fed. Adult bed bugs are typically rusty brown and red after a blood meal. Nymphs are initially pale and colourless when they hatch, but with maturity, they become regular rusty brown colour. Nymphs can also appear bright red after feeding.
Adult Bed Bug
Bed Bug Eggs
Bed Bugs
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs are often picked up while travelling. They can cling to your clothes or hide in your suitcase. Once they infest your home, they can quickly multiply and spread throughout a room or building. Contrary to popular belief, cleanliness doesn’t prevent bed bugs. You can encounter
bed bugs in both five-star hotels and inexpensive motels. You might also pick them up on public transport seats. Bed bugs can
thrive in workplaces, movie theatres, and schools. Visiting infested homes, buying second-hand mattresses
or furniture, or having visitors over can also lead to bed bug infestations.
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
One of the most obvious signs of bed bugs is being bitten at night and finding small, reddish-brown bugs in your bed or other furniture. You may also notice blood spots on your bedsheets and dark stains on your mattress. You may also notice small, itchy bumps on your skin from bed
bugs biting you. Finally, you will notice a musty smell around your bed.
Finding live bed bubs is one of the signs there may be a bed bug problem about. You may first notice them on your bed linen and pillows. You can also find them in mattress seams, bed frames and other bedroom furniture. Check along carpet edges, curtains folds, picture frames, and around power points. Evidence eggs and skin casings will confirm your findings.
An unpleasant, musty smell can indicate a bed bug infestation. This odor is a result of bed bug pheromones, digested blood in their feces, and the accumulation of dead bugs and shell casings. Some people describe the smell of bed bugs as musty or sickly sweet. Strong odour may indicate a large infestation.
Bed bug excrement appears as dark brown or black spots, often called “fecal spotting.” These marks are usually found on mattresses, bedding, and other surfaces where bed bugs congregate. Fresh droppings are small, around 1-2 mm, and resemble ink dots from a ballpoint pen.
You may notice small bloodstains on your bedsheets, clothing, or pillowcases. These stains can result from crushing bed bugs while sleeping or from fresh bites that continue to bleed due to the anticoagulant in bed bug saliva.
Shell casings and eggs
As bed bugs grow, they moult and leave behind hollow exoskeletons. These pale, translucent casings can be found in mattress seams and other hiding spots. Bed bug eggs are tiny, around 1 mm long, pearly white, and oval-shaped.
Bed Bug Bites
The first sign many notice is small, itchy bites on their skin, often on the face, neck, arms, hands, and legs. They can leave distinctive bite marks resembling mosquito bites, often appearing in clusters or zigzag lines on exposed skin. The primary symptom is intense itching,
which can persist for several days. Many people develop red, swollen welts at the bite sites,
typically within a few hours to days after being bitten.
Bed bug bites
Bed bug bites
Bed bug bites
While reactions vary, some people may experience severe allergic responses, including widespread rashes or hives. However, it’s important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, as some don’t exhibit any symptoms. Beyond the physical symptoms, bed bug infestations
can lead to psychological distress and sleep disturbances. The anxiety of potential bites and the constant itching can
significantly impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity during the day.
Bed bugs are a wide spread and are a common problem. They can be found in households and throughout the hotel industry, including backpackers and travellers who share rooms as well as aged care residences. Although they are prevalent in budget accommodation, upmarket hotels are not immune either. The sharp increase in tourism has strongly contributed to their resurgence. Bed bugs may be introduced to your home whilst staying overnight in already infested premises. They can be brought in with second hand furniture. They can also travel in people’s luggage, on their clothing and can easily be picked up on public transport.
It is not easy to detect bed bugs, especially when you are unaware of their presence. They usually come out at night and are opportunistic feeders. They will happily take a blood meal at any time. Bed bugs inject anaesthetic into the skin, so they can feed in peace while you sleep. Their bites resemble welts, and that’s why bed bugs are often mistaken for mosquito bites. If you wake up with bite marks, you should suspect bed bugs. Some people will have no reaction at all to a bite. They are not known to spread disease and their bites are painless. However some people may develop an allergic reaction, this can present as reddish, swollen hives and itchiness.
Bed bugs are more of an annoyance than a health hazard, however avoid scratching bites if possible. Apply anti itch cream and use antihistamine in order to reduce the burning sensation. Use antiseptic to reduce chances of an infection. Their bites heal quickly, but if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
Preventing Bed Bugs
It is best to avoid introducing live bed bugs into your home in the first place to prevent an infestation. If purchasing preowned furniture such as beds, couches, or armchairs, carefully inspect them for signs of bed bugs. Check for small dark spots, shed skins, and live bugs. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on caution and not bring the suspected item inside.
When travelling, be extra cautious, as bed bugs can also travel with you in your luggage. Before unpacking, use a torch to thoroughly inspect your hotel room, especially the bed, mattress, and nearby furniture. Consider placing your suitcase on a luggage rack and away from the walls to minimize the risk of picking up unwanted guests.
Protective covers for your mattresses and bed bases at home can eliminate many potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Choose light-coloured encasements, as they make it easier to spot any bugs that might be present. Regularly inspect these covers for tears or holes and replace them if necessary.
Reducing clutter in your living space is another effective strategy to prevent bed bug a infestation. A cluttered home provides more hiding places for these pests, making detecting and eliminating them harder. Keep your home tidy and organized, especially around beds and furniture.
Vacuuming regularly will help get rid of bed bugs that may have entered your home. Pay close attention to carpets, upholstered furniture, and around beds when vacuuming. After vacuuming, immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner content in a plastic bag and place it in an external garbage bin.
These preventative steps can significantly reduce the possibility of a bed bug infestation in your home. Early detection and prompt action are crucial to keeping these persistent pests at bay.
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