How do I know if I have bedbugs?
Bedbugs are not easy to spot since they are very small and hide away in plain sight. You can look for signs of droppings that look like tiny black dots or red smears around the bed frame, headboard, mattress, pillows and around the bed. Surprisingly, bedbugs can attach to clothing so it’s best to check your closet as well. The biggest giveaway of bedbugs is feeling itchy around your body which leads to the second question.
Do bedbugs bite?
The answer is yes. Bedbugs are active at night and usually bite people while they are asleep because the bugs feed on blood as their only source of nutrition. For many people, a bite can inflict a burning sensation and then develops red bumps, known as papules or wheals (rash). It is important to keep the bites clean and not to scratch because it can lead to secondary infection. Individuals with weak immune systems, children and elderly may develop secondary infection that can cause further swelling and bleeding. Most bites heal within one to two weeks of appearing or longer.
How do I get rid of bedbugs?
The best way to get rid of bedbugs is to call in the professionals. Pest control companies do a good job of inspecting and treating them. The progress of the treatment may be intensive and you may be asked to throw away furniture and mattress from your home. The disadvantage of calling in a professional is initially the cost but it may be the safest and may actually save you more money.
Source:
Bed Bug Bites. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.orkin.com/other/bed-bugs/bedbug-bites/
