Biting bugs in bed can be irritating, uncomfortable, and even cause anxiety and stress. These tiny blood-sucking insects are difficult to eliminate and can infest your home and belongings. While prevention is the best way to avoid biting bugs in bed, it’s not always possible to completely control them.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20 million Americans experience bed bug infestations each year. According to a survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 95% of pest control businesses treated bed bugs in the previous year. Additionally, one in five people has either personally experienced a bed bug infestation or knows someone who has.
If you’ve ever been bitten by biting bugs in bed, you know how uncomfortable and irritating it can be. Fortunately, there are ways to quickly and effectively treat bed bug bites so you can get back to your normal life. In this blog post, we will discuss the best techniques for dealing with bed bug bites and minimizing their impact. From natural remedies to medical treatments, you will learn how to treat bed bug bites effectively and efficiently.
Signs and Symptoms Of Biting Bugs
Bed bug bites typically appear as itchy, red welts on the skin. These welts may be raised and swollen, and there may be tiny red spots on the skin from the bites. The bites can also leave dark spots on the skin, which are the bed bug’s fecal matter. The affected area may also have an unpleasant, musty odor. Biting bugs in bed can cause itching and inflammation around the bite area.
The following are signs of bed bug bites:
- Itchiness
- Rough skin resembling a pimple or rash (inflammation)
- Burning sensation
- Mild discomfort and soreness
You may not feel a bed bug bite while you’re sleeping, similar to how you may not feel a spider bite. Bed bugs have a defense mechanism that numbs your skin when they bite, making it difficult for you to feel the bite. They also inject an anticoagulant and anesthetic to prevent bleeding. You may not realize you’ve been bitten until the bite marks appear, which can take one to two days.
In rare cases, bed bug bites can cause severe reactions. Seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Enlarged tongue
- Blisters
- Fever
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Feeling extremely unwell
How To Treat Biting Bugs In Bed
Dealing with bed bug bites can be a nightmare. Here are some quick and effective ways to treat them:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water: This helps reduce itching and the risk of infection. Use mild soap and cool water, and avoid scrubbing the area too hard.
- Apply a cold compress: A cold compress can reduce swelling and itching caused by bed bug bites. Use a cold, damp cloth wrapped in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
- Take an antihistamine: If you experience severe itching or swelling, consult your physician about taking an antihistamine. These medications can help reduce the allergic reaction caused by bed bug bites.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry: To prevent infection and promote healing, it’s important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Avoid scratching the bites, as this can lead to infection. If the bites are oozing or crusting, cover them with a bandage.
- Use a topical anti-itch cream: Anti-itch creams, such as calamine lotion, can provide relief from itchiness and discomfort caused by bed bug bites. Apply a small amount of the cream to the affected area and gently rub it in.
Top anti-itch topical products for biting bugs in bed:
- Calamine lotion: Contains zinc oxide and iron oxide, which reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. – Hydrocortisone cream: A topical steroid that reduces itching and inflammation by suppressing the immune response.
- Tea tree oil: Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for treating bed bug bites. Apply directly or diluted with a carrier oil.
- Aloe vera gel: Known for its soothing and cooling properties, it helps alleviate itching and inflammation. Apply directly or mix with other anti-itch ingredients.
- Witch hazel: A natural astringent that reduces itching and inflammation. Apply directly or mix with other anti-itch ingredients.
Home remedies and prevention tips for avoiding infestations and bites
Prevention is key when dealing with biting bugs in bed. Here are some effective ways to prevent bed bug bites:
- Vacuum: To prevent additional infestations, it’s crucial to thoroughly vacuum and clean your home. Bedbugs have a tendency to hide in cracks and crevices, so pay extra attention to these areas.
- Call a professional pest control company: Consider reaching out to a professional pest control company if you’re dealing with a severe bedbug infestation. These experts have the knowledge and equipment to efficiently eliminate bedbugs. They may employ heat treatments, pesticides, or other effective methods to eradicate the infestation.
- Check for bedbugs when traveling: When traveling, be sure to inspect your hotel room for signs of bedbugs, like blood spots on the sheets or mattress, before unpacking. Using a bedbug-proof encasement for your mattress and box spring can also help prevent bedbugs from entering.
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free: Keeping your home clean and free of clutter can deter bedbugs, as they are attracted to mess and clutter. Regularly vacuuming and washing your bedding and linens in hot water once a week can also help prevent infestations.
- Seal cracks and crevices: Sealing cracks and crevices in your walls or floors is essential, as bedbugs can enter your home through small openings. Use caulk or foam to fill in gaps and repair any loose wallpaper or peeling paint.
- Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home: Before bringing second-hand furniture into your home, carefully inspect it for any signs of bedbugs. These pests could be hiding in the furniture from the previous owner.
- Wash your bedding regularly: Washing your bedding regularly in hot water can help kill any bedbugs that may be present.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when to seek medical attention for bedbug bites is important. While most bites will heal on their own within a week or two, there are situations that require medical attention. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these:
- Allergic Reaction: If you experience a severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites, you may need immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Infection: If you scratch the bed bug bites surface, you may break the skin and introduce bacteria. This can lead to an infection, which may require medical treatment.
- Chronic Itching: If you have a bite of a bed bug that continues to itch for more than two weeks, you may have a condition called prurigo nodularis. This condition can cause nodules to form on the skin, which may require medical treatment.
- Psychological Effects: Bed bug infestations can be traumatic, and some people may develop anxiety, depression, or other psychological symptoms as a result. If you are experiencing psychological distress due to a bed bug infestation, you may want to seek professional help.
Possible Bedbug Spot In Your Home
If you suspect a bedbug infestation in your home, there are specific places to check for signs of them. These include:
- Mattresses
- Bed frames
- Bedsprings
- Pillows
- Household crevices or cracks
- Wardrobes,
- Luggage,
- Loose or peeling walls
- Sofas
- Under the dining table and chair
- Electrical switch plates.
Conclusion
Dealing with biting bugs in bed can be painful and frustrating, but there are steps you can take to relieve symptoms and prevent further infestations. Apply a cold compress, use over-the-counter creams and ointments, take an antihistamine, vacuum and clean your home thoroughly, and contact a professional pest control company if needed.
Bedbugs can be encountered in various places, such as hospitals, dormitories, hotels, business offices, or when visiting friends or relatives. By following these tips, you can effectively address bedbug bites.