Bed Bug Bites

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Bed Bug Bites – Not Harmful Or Infectious

When it comes to bed bugs, there is a fair deal of confusion about how to first identify them and then think about how to get the right bed bug bites treatment. That is because these insects were not very common in the developed countries till some years back and had been virtually eliminated. They were seen in huge numbers more than five decades ago and since then rapid industrialization as well as enhanced living standards had virtually driven them out of developed countries. It is also believed that liberal use of DDT was also responsible for keeping them at bay. Ever since DDT usage was banned in most of the developed countries, it would appear that these bed bugs have found it easier to come back.

That would explain why people hardly seem to notice them even when they are visible at times. They are anyways too small and the fact that people do not know what to look for makes it easy for them to stay in a house and keep breeding.

In fact a study conducted recently revealed that even when people were bitten by bed bugs and asked about what they felt, very few of them reported any adverse reactions or said that they actually felt the bed bug bites. Amongst the people surveyed, the female group did report that they felt some reaction but even that was not very significant.

The study also revealed that elderly folks react even less to such bites. Some of the people over 65 said that they did not feel any discomfort or there were no adverse reactions following bed bug bites. This has led the researchers to believe that due to a suppressed immune system and consumption of other medicines, the sensitivity of their system would have got reduced and that is why they are not able to feel the bites.

Close to 30% of the people surveyed said that they did not have any problem at all despite being bitten repeatedly. This goes to show that in the absence of any reaction, these bed bugs can continue to live in a house and feed off the host till the time things really get bad in terms of the host suffering from high itching or the lesions on his arms and legs developing into blisters due to repeated scratching and infection.

Reaction of people to insect bites

These findings only drive home the belief that a combination of not knowing what bed bugs are, how bed bugs bites pictures look like have made the task of thinking about appropriate bed bug bites treatment quite difficult. When you add the ability of these pests to quickly adapt themselves to new surroundings, you can imagine how difficult it is to get rid of bed bugs quickly.

Interestingly, people reacted to mosquito bites with greater severity. The main reason could be the subconscious fear that a mosquito bite can lead to malaria whereas not much is known about the complications bed bugs can cause when they bite humans. One more reason could be the nature of the skin rash itself. It is only when a host is repeatedly bitten night after night by bed bugs that a particular pattern or cluster of puncture marks are seen on the face, arms or neck. Since these are very small and if they do not cause any itching, there is no reason for anybody to feel that they have been bitten by an insect. Majority of the people surveyed said that they were bitten on the arms and legs by these pests.

On the other hand, a mosquito bite evokes an immediate reaction due to its sharpness and the fact that they can be seen as well as heard. People also do not want to take any chances with mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas and flies as they know these insects can spread disease. The capability of bed bugs to cause any disease has not been established yet and that may be another reason for the complacency exhibited by people bitten by them.

What do bed bug bites pictures indicate?

This is not to say that the bites are totally harmless. Closer examination has revealed that the itching can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals due to their immune system reacting unfavorably to a foreign body. That can be pretty irritating and disconcerting for the individual. More itching would lead to aggravation of the red lesions and formation of bigger blisters. That can dent a person’s confidence and make him or her confined to the house.

There have been other bed bug bites pictures posted on the internet that indicate severe skin rashes on the face and neck of individuals. Though none of them are dangerous, they do not make for a happy sight and that is why it is essential to ensure that you do not allow bed bugs do not make an entry into your house.

So how do you keep a check on them?

The first thing to do is to regularly check underneath your mattress and bed frames for any hidden signs of bed bugs. They normally align themselves to the seam of the beds and within the crevices of the box frames. This is where they hide during day time and come out during the night to feed on the host. They lay their eggs here, cast off their skin and also pass feces at these places. When you look closely, you are bound to find some signs that should alert you of their presence.

Once you do detect them, you must not waste time in seeking the right bed bug treatment. If you delay this, you will only be making things difficult for yourself as they breed pretty quickly. Also remember that when you use a bed bug spray as part of your bed bug treatment, it should preferably be an organic one so that you can keep the environment in your house clean and without any fumes of harmful chemicals. Some people, especially children have faced skin as well as respiratory problems with chemical bed bug spray options.

Another tip to follow is when you are travelling. These bed bugs are extremely mobile and due to their small size can easily get into your personal effects when you are staying at some hotel in another country or city. Ensure that your room is totally sanitized before you get into it and also remember to steam clean your baggage once you arrive home. This will prevent the entry of these bugs into your house.

What about bed bug treatment and how do you kill bed bug bites?

The treatment is in the form of ensuring that the itching caused is not allowed to intensify. Calamine lotions and anti-itch creams are available for local application.  Usually, the lesions should disappear within some days if there are no fresh incidents of bed bug bites.

Some doctors depending on the intensity of the itching may prescribe anti histamines to control any allergic reactions arising out of the prolonged itching sensation.

To summarize, prevention is the best cure and you can start by maintaining a high level of cleanliness and reducing clutter within your house.

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