Bed bugs are small, non-flying, oval-shaped insects that feed by sucking blood from animals or humans, similiar to mosquitoes. They are most active at night and bite skin exposed while a person is sleeping. The most frequent areas affected are the arms, hands, face and neck because the skin is soft and not covered by pajamas. Though named for where they most often occur, they are found in all areas of the home, including upholstered furniture and other textiles. The bites are painless and usually not felt, but the resulting mark might be itchy, red or swollen. Bed bug treatment is usually performed by a professional who is able to identify the problem and take care of extermination.

Prior to having someone professionally deal with the problem, the easiest way to avoid getting bit is by avoiding the areas where you know there is a problem. If you are staying in a hotel and you have a concern about there being a problem, ask the hotel upon check-in or when you book a room when they last had the rooms treated for the problem. When you arrive, check the bed for signs of problems like eggs or shell casings. Another way to prevent a problem at home is to seal the mattress.

Since the creatures feed on the blood of humans and animals, the most noticeable and annoying sign of an infestation is going to be skin damage. Bites cause itching and swelling and usually show up on areas exposed during sleep. The bites are not intense enough to wake a sleeping person, but when the reaction begins, it can make sitting still uncomfortable because of the constant itching. One notable thing about this type of bite is that they are often lined in a row of three or four bites. This type of clustering is due to sequential feeding, called “breakfast, lunch and dinner” by infectious disease specialists.

It is common to mistake this type of bite for that of a mosquito or flea. Some even believe they have a skin rash and treat the problem as such. Another way to recognize this type of problem versus another infestation is by examining the linens or sheets you sleep on. These creatures have glands that excrete dark spots and leave odors, so check for signs of a problem with both your eyes and nose. Though bites are generally considered safe, researchers are trying to determine if Chagas disease can be spread by these creatures.

If you suspect you have a problem, contact a professional exterminator. There are several sprays and insecticides that can be used to erradicate the problem. The sprays are applied to all affected areas and your mattress is examined to determine if it can be saved. In severe cases, the entire bed might need to be replaced. Some deep cleaning options are availble, but they need to remove the eggs as well as the living creatures. If you are suffering from bites, there is little you can do to relieve the itching and swelling, other than using calomine lotion or an antihistamine.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter is researching bed bugs.He is interested in bed bug treatment options that are available for commercial locations.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: bed bugs,bed bug treatment