Common Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be found across the world and reside in hotels, residential properties, school dorms, cruise ships, trains, and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs are most active at night and in the summer as they enter a state of hibernation in the colder months of the year. 

Where are bed bugs found?

Bed bugs are quite common in the United States and are most often found in the edges of a mattress. With an increase in travel, bed bugs have also spread across regions by way of luggages on planes and trains. These bugs are often found within 8 feet of a sleeping area for easy access when they feed.

Areas where bed bugs may reside in but are not limited to: 

  • Carpets 

  • Cracks in the house 

  • Baseboard

  • Outlets

  • Headboard 

  • Walls 

  • Furniture 

  • Bed sheets 

  • Blankets

  • Couches 

  • Luggage 

  • Mattress 

What are the symptoms of a bed bug bite and infestation?

Every person reacts differently to bed bug bites — some people may experience a slight irritation while others endure serious allergic reactions. It is important to seek medical attention when necessary. While bed bugs are not known to spread disease, they do cause other ailments such as:

  • Itching 

  • Low quality of sleep 

  • Clusters of small red bites in a pattern 

  • Bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or rest of the body 

Because bed bugs are so small and often only come out during the day, it may be difficult to recognize the signs of a bed bug infestation. These bugs do not also need to feed every night, so the afflicted victim may not even recognize there is an issue until much later. However, a sweet musty odor, exoskeletons of the bed bugs from molting, and rusty-colored blood spots from the bug’s fecal matter may all point towards a bed bug infestation. 

How do you treat bed bug bites?

Because each person reacts differently to bed bug bites, the severity of the treatment highly depends on the afflicted person and their body type. In general, it may take up to 3 weeks to fully heal from bed bug bites.

Common treatment methods are:

  • Applying antiseptic creams 

  • Taking antibiotics if there is an infection 

  • Using pain relievers for swelling and pain 

  • Taking antihistamine 

  • Avoid scratching and irritation 

  • Visiting a doctor or dermatologist for treatment 

When a bed bug infestation is recognized in a rental unit, the tenant should immediately contact the landlord for the extermination of the infestation. 

How can you prevent bed bug bites?

There are a few ways to lower the chance of bed bugs in your home by decontaminating your clothes, bed sheets, luggage, mattress, and other common bed bug infestation areas frequently. When traveling, you can also keep clothes and sheets away from the carpet and store luggages away from the bed. In addition, using vacuum seal bags for storing clothes, bed sheets, pillows, and other sleeping items can help prevent bed bugs during your travel.

Should you seek legal assistance for a bed bug infestation?

A bed bug infestation can grow complicated if you’re a tenant living in a rental unit. If you’re unsure of how to proceed with addressing an infestation with your landlord, you might want to receive legal guidance.

Please do not hesitate to request for assistance or guidance through this intake link. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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