Is Bed Bugs a Parasite?
WouterIf you’re wondering what’s the real deal about bed bugs, you’re not alone. These parasitic insects belong to the Hemiptera family, which also includes other insect species. They are the most common type of parasites on humans and are also known as Cimicidae, the name of the family that includes the bedbug.
In order to survive, bedbugs need human blood. That’s why they can live in hotels, motels, apartments, and private homes. In fact, you can get bedbugs even in the cleanest of rooms. That’s because bedbugs can move from room to room through the central heating system.
Symptoms of bedbug infestation include itching and inflammation. In most cases, the bites will fade after a week. However, some people may experience hives and blisters, which require medical attention. Bedbugs can also spread through clothing, luggage, and boxes. They can also move from floor to floor. And unlike other parasites, bedbugs are not fussy about cleanliness. They need a warm host and plenty of hiding places to thrive.
Although bedbugs are often considered pests, they do carry diseases. Chagas disease is a common disease caused by a parasite known as T. cruzi, which is transmitted by kissing bugs. Because bedbugs and kissing bugs have similar behavioral patterns, the disease is often transmitted to humans by them. The feces and saliva of bedbugs are often shed on a person’s skin, which makes it easy to be infected with Chagas. Chagas disease can cause digestive and heart problems.
