Do Bed Bugs Require Contact Precautions?
WouterThe first step in treating for bed bugs is to determine the source of the infestation. The best way to determine the source of the infestation is to conduct a visual inspection. Check for evidence of a live infestation on your bedding, underneath your mattress, and in cracks and crevices. They can also be found in bed frames and box springs, where they can hide in cracks and holes.
To reduce the risk of contact with bed bugs, protect yourself from exposure by wearing light-coloured, non-porous clothing and shoes. Make sure the clothing is washable. Also, avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes, as they can help bed bugs hide underneath. In addition, hang your clothing on a wire hanger or on a shower curtain rod.
If you’ve spotted bed bugs on yourself, remove your clothes as soon as possible. It’s best to do this in your garage if you can, but if you don’t have a garage, take off your clothes in a bathtub or at least near the door. Avoid wearing light-colored clothing while cleaning, as bed bugs like light-colored surfaces. Once you’ve removed your clothes, place them in a plastic bag and seal them tightly. You can then wash them in the washing machine.
Although bed bugs don’t carry disease, they may cause itching, scratching, or other symptoms. Excessive scratching can lead to secondary infections. They can also leave bite marks. Some people are allergic to these bugs, and their saliva can aggravate their allergies. In addition, exposure to bed bugs can cause fever and anemia.
