Can Bed Bugs Eat You Alive?
WouterAlthough bed bugs do not spread disease, they can be irritating and unpleasant. In some cases, the bites will leave no marks, but in others, the bites may result in an infection. The bites from bed bugs are not painful at the time of the attack, but they can become irritated and red after a few days. Often, the bites occur in clusters or patterns.
Adult bedbugs are oval, wingless insects about 1/5 inch in length. They have flattened bodies, well-developed antennae, and tiny compound eyes. They also have a pronotum (area behind the head) that is covered with numerous tiny hairs. Young bedbugs, called nymphs, are smaller and have a lighter, yellowish-white color.
Bedbugs feed while you sleep, generally around an hour before dawn, but they can also feed at any time of day. Unlike many other parasites, bedbugs are extremely careful when feeding. When disturbed, bedbugs scatter and return to their hiding place to feed. After feeding, they grow to two to three times their original size and may even develop their next life stage.
It’s important to make sure that your home is properly maintained to prevent infestations. This means avoiding dust and dirt on your bedding and furniture. You can also invest in bed bug proof encasements, which are fitted tightly and zippered. Unlike the ordinary box spring and mattress, these encasements do not require a mattress or box spring. You can purchase these products online and have them installed on your bed as soon as you find an infestation.
