What to do when the worst happens…
Waking up with red, itchy welts? You might think it’s a spider or mosquito bite but, while it’s horrifying to consider a bed bug infestation, it’s more common than you might think. If you’re concerned you may have bed bugs in your home, it’s time to get serious and take action.
Bed bugs are nocturnal insects (roughly the size of a ladybug) that live in soft furnishings (sofas, beds, etc.) and feed off of human blood at night. Although they feed every 5-10 days, they can lie dormant for over a year. They avoid light and move quickly so while you’re stripping the sheets and blankets off your bed, look closely – bed bugs are easily visible to the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are the size of a grain of rice, while newly hatched offspring are the size of poppy seeds.
For bugs that feed off of human blood, bedrooms provide an ideal breeding ground. Sadly, the problem is not waning. According to a survey by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), “bed bugs are overwhelmingly found in private residences including apartments, condominiums and single-family homes and the incidence of infestations in these environments is slightly higher compared to the 2011 findings.”
Are bed bugs dangerous?
While admitting you have bed bugs can be embarrassing, research shows the bugs do not transmit disease – but that doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous.
According to Medical News Today, “About 50% of people who are bitten show no symptoms at all and do not know it happened. This makes it more difficult to prevent or identify potential infestations. Some individuals, however, may become ill and nauseous. It is possible get skin infections and scars from scratching the bites.”
Treating a bed bug Infestation
If you think you have bed bugs, begin by calling in an exterminator for a professional analysis and quote. A licensed exterminator can inspect your house and treat hot spots with insecticide but the bulk of the work will be on your shoulders. According to Wikipedia, a combination of approach is needed as there is no known effective pesticide to guarantee complete eradication of bed bugs.
If you think you may have bed bugs in your home or just want to learn more about them, the resources below are jam-packed with information:
- Bedbugger
- North America Bed Bug Registry
If you’re ready for a new mattress, we’d love to help you find the right one for you. Visit our Find a Store page and we’ll locate a store close by where you can lie on our mattresses and talk to a trained sales professional.
