What Bed Bugs Can Do to You
WouterBedbugs are small flat parasites that feed on human blood. They have wingless bodies, are reddish brown in color, and can range in size from 1mm to 7mm. Females can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime. They feed during the night and are more likely to be active at night. The bites of a bedbug may be the first sign that you have them. A bedbug’s bite can be painful, but not always fatal.
While bedbugs can feed on other warm-blooded animals, they prefer to feed on humans. Bedbug bites are not painful at the time of attack, but most people will develop an allergic reaction to the insect saliva. This will cause the bites to be red and swollen. Bedbugs usually bite in clusters and patterns.
Bedbug bites are generally not serious, but they can affect your mental health. The itching caused by bedbugs can cause insomnia, anxiety, and stress. The bites may also trigger episodes of emotional anxiety and depression. Thankfully, bedbug bites aren’t life-threatening, and they’re easy to treat with over-the-counter medications and home remedies like baking soda and lemon juice.
Integrated pest management techniques such as IPM can help you get rid of bedbugs in your home, without spending a lot of money. These practices help you target your pest control efforts and limit the use of harmful insecticides. Learning more about bedbug biology and behavior is helpful in addressing the problem.
