How Long Can You Have Bed Bugs Without Knowing?
WouterIt is difficult to determine how long a bed bug infestation has been present if you do not feel the bites. Often, the bugs will stay hidden in the bed, and you may not even notice their presence. This means that you may not know you have an infestation until they start to spread.
Bedbug bites are usually not visible until they have been present for about 14 days. They are larger than fleabites’ bites, and they are usually raised and red. While most people will not have visible symptoms, some may develop allergic reactions, which can be life threatening. Other people may develop skin infections and scarring. People with asthma may also experience allergic reactions to the bites. In some cases, they may even develop anaphylaxis.
Fortunately, the good news is that there are many steps you can take to prevent an infestation. The first step is to identify the source of the infestation. Often, an infestation starts when you get new furniture. When inspecting the furniture in your home, you should look for signs of bed bugs and take steps to eliminate them.
Bedbugs are nocturnal, and can be difficult to spot during the day. Even if you’re lucky enough to have an infestation, you might not even realize it. Bedbugs feed on human blood, which is why a bedbug infestation is as likely to be found in an immaculate home as one in a dirty one. Bedbugs bite humans while they are asleep, using their elongated beak to pierce the skin and draw blood. They feed on humans for about three to ten minutes at a time. After that, they crawl away unnoticed.
