Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including humans. While bed bugs don’t spread diseases, their bites can cause pain and irritation, and some people can have severe reactions. Bed bug extermination in Mississauga is the only solution to an infestation. Here are some tips to help you recognize and deal with a bed bug problem.

How To Recognize Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs are very small and able to hide in tiny places. They wait to bite until their hosts are sleeping, and their saliva contains an analgesic so that you don’t feel the bite itself. You may not realize there is a problem until after you wake up. By this time, the analgesic has worn off and you may experience itching and irritation.

Part of the problem with recognizing bed bug bites is that they may appear similar to bites from other insects, such as mosquitoes or fleas. Bed bug bites can occur throughout the year, while mosquito bites typically only happen in summer. A bite from a bed bug may have a dark center surrounded by an area of swelling and redness, or the center may be clear. The bites may occur in a zigzag pattern and be surrounded by hives or blisters. Bed bugs are most likely to bite areas of skin that are exposed during sleep, such as the arms, legs, face, and neck, but bites can occur anywhere on the body.

Most people have some discomfort from bed bug bites. Rarely, a person may be hypersensitive and have a severe reaction involving fever, swollen tongue, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

How To Treat Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites typically heal on their own within one to two weeks. You can avoid infection by cleaning the wounds with soap and water. Next, you can treat the irritation with antihistamines, anti-itch creams, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone, a steroid that works as an anti-inflammatory. You may be wondering, “If the bites heal on their own, why do I need bed bug control near me?” Well, once the bed bugs are in your home, they will continue biting you even after the first bites heal. Not only that, but the infestation will keep growing larger as the bed bugs continue to reproduce.

Bed bug bites can lead to bacterial infection, especially if you break the skin open more by scratching. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection. Though rare, a severe reaction to bed bug bites can be life-threatening. Injectable epinephrine or corticosteroids may be necessary to get the reaction under control.

How To Prevent Bed Bug Bites

Unfortunately, there is no repellent that works against bed bugs, so the only way to prevent bites is to keep the bugs from getting into your house in the first place. Bed bugs typically travel from place to place by hitching a ride on their human hosts. If you travel, inspect your accommodations when you arrive for bed bugs. Don’t assume that bed bugs are not present in expensive hotels; it’s human blood that attracts them, not neglect or squalor. If you find bed bugs in your room, request another one or find new accommodations. If you don’t find any, you should still avoid unpacking your luggage or placing it on the floor.

Be careful buying secondhand furniture or home decorations. Bed bugs may be hiding in the cracks. Inspect such items carefully before you buy, and look for brown, flat, oval-shaped insects.

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of a bed bug infestation on your own is nearly impossible. Call Truly Nolen for a property assessment. We can apply treatment materials with a high-pressure misting system that gets down into the cracks. With our effective methods, you won’t have to get rid of your possessions to control the infestation.