Can Bed Bugs Pass From Person to Person?
WouterBedbugs can be difficult to detect and bite marks can resemble those caused by mosquitoes or allergic hives. While some people do not react to the bites at all, others develop large itchy welts that may take weeks to heal. Often these bites do not appear in groups of three, but may appear one by one or in clusters. It is very important to treat these bites right away if you suspect a bedbug infestation. These insects are incredibly small, measuring approximately one-half inch in size and six legs. They can hide in tight places, including under mattresses, nightstands, and even between carpet and walls.
While the theory of bedbugs transmitting disease is plausible, it is still a misconception. The reason why bedbugs are so easily spread between people is because of the speed at which they travel. Bedbugs can move from one room to another by way of floor, ceiling, and wall openings, as well as pipes and cables. That is why it is important to be especially careful when buying second-hand furniture. Often bedbugs hide in the joints of furniture and drawers, and can be transferred to a new environment very easily.
As a result, bed bugs are great hitchhikers. Once they’ve been on someone’s clothing for 30 to 45 minutes, they will crawl out of hiding to a new location. They also sense the heat of the person and the CO2 exhaled from the body, making them easy to spread from one person to another.
