How Small Can Bed Bugs Be to Bite?
WouterOne of the most common questions about bed bugs is “How small can they be to bite?” A typical bed bug bite looks like a small blood blister. It’s larger than the average reaction and can persist for a few days or weeks. It is painful and itchy, and it can leave a scar or bruising. Fortunately, these bites are not life-threatening and can be treated easily.
If you are staying in an infested hotel room, the first thing you should do is inspect the mattress and bedding. If you see bed bug waste in these items, you should immediately ask for another room. You should also avoid leaving clothing on the floor. Also, make sure you wash all clothing and throw it in the dryer for 20 minutes. This will kill off the eggs and prevent bed bugs from spreading.
The lifespan of a bed bug is around 10 months, but it depends on a variety of factors. If temperatures are cooler than normal, they will mature more slowly. In addition, bed bugs need a ready supply of blood in order to reproduce. In general, they can produce multiple generations a year if conditions are right.
If you think your child has bedbug bites, wash the area with soap and water to prevent further infestation. You can also apply low-strength steroid creams to reduce the inflammation and itching. However, it’s important to be careful not to use topical steroids or antihistamines on children – they may cause an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
