Do Bed Bugs Require Isolation?
WouterThe first step in getting rid of bed bugs is to learn how to spot them. This means paying attention to the bites on your skin. There are a few different signs to look for. You may have a bedbug infestation, but they may not have caused any noticeable symptoms yet. They may be present in one or more areas of the bed, including your sheets, box spring, and comforter. It is essential to isolate them as soon as you notice them.
Isolation is important because it creates fewer “bridges” for the bed bugs to use to get in. You must also protect your pillows and mattress. However, this is not foolproof. The bugs can also infest the ceiling. So, it’s best to isolate your bed and avoid having other people sleep in it for the time being.
EDs often encounter bed bug-infested patients. However, most of them do not report the infestation to their healthcare providers and are not placed in isolation. This is a missed opportunity for the healthcare system to triage such patients. The ED staff may have a better chance of catching the bugs if patients report that they have an infestation.
While the symptoms of bedbug infestation vary, the presence of these bugs is usually quite obvious. These bugs feed mainly at night, and they hide during the day in dark places. However, they may also feed when their hosts are around. They generally prefer wood and fabric surfaces. In addition, they can live for up to a year without food, and they can have up to four generations a year.
