Bed bugs are tiny, flat wingless insects that feed on blood from humans or animals, usually at night. that are reddish-brown in color and approximately one-quarter inch long, before feeding (about the size and shape of a small apple seed).
They hide during the day on beds (mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards) and in cracks and crevices of walls, bed frames, spaces under baseboards, lose or peeling wallpaper, electrical switch plates, conduits for electrical cables, sofas and come out at night.
Bedbugs don’t always feed every night and can go several weeks without eating. This can make it more difficult to notice them. It may take a few weeks to realize that the bites are part of a larger pattern. And that’s problematic because bedbugs can multiply very quickly. A female can lay 3 to 5 eggs per day.
Bed bug’s bites are not known to transmit any infectious disease but their bites can result in a number of health impacts, including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. Bed bug bites may lead to skin changes ranging from small areas of redness to prominent blisters. Some individuals may feel tired or have a fever.
They do not fly or jump, but they can crawl rapidly.
Bedbugs can bite any part of your body. However, they typically bite skin that is exposed while you sleep.
Feed
As we all know, bed bugs feed on blood. They do this with the help of their proboscis, which is a kind of elongated beak. When biting, bedbugs inject an anesthetic into the skin, so people do not feel anything at the time of the bite.
The most common symptoms are small red bumps that are very itchy. These bumps are often distributed in a zig zag pattern, although they can also be in a straight line. Symptoms of itching appear from 10 minutes to 2 hours after the bite, it all depends on the sensitivity of each person’s skin
Allergic Reactions & Infections from Bedbug Bite on Human
Although rare, there have been isolated case reports of systemic allergic reaction to bedbug bites. Reactions typically included hives, asthma, and in rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
To reduce the risk of infection, was the bite with soap and water, and try not to scratch them.
If you suspect that you’ve developed an infection or allergic reaction to a bedbug bite, contact to a doctor. Get emergency medical care if you develop any of following after being bitten:
⦁ Multiple hives
Itchy red bumps from hives may spread from one part of your body to another.
⦁ Difficulty breathing
⦁ Swelling of throat or mouth
⦁ Chills
⦁ Fever
⦁ Dizziness
⦁ Confusion
Bedbug Bites and Reactions on Pets
Bedbugs don’t just bite humans. They can also feed on family pets. If you have a pet who’s been bitten by bedbugs, the bites will likely get better on their own. But in some cases, they might become infected. Make an appointment with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has an infected bite.
If you hire a pest control expert to get rid of bedbugs in your home, let them know if you have a pet. Some insecticides may be safer for your pet than others. It’s also important to wash your pet’s bed, stuffed toys, and other accessories where bedbugs live.
how long bedbugs can live?
The life span of a bed bug most commonly ranges from four to six months. However, some bed bugs may live up to a year under cool conditions and with no food.
The life cycle of a bed bug is shown in the photograph below. During its lifetime, a bed bug will go through the following stages (Starting from the top left, moving counterclockwise):
The life cycle of a bed bug is shown in the photograph below. During its lifetime, a bed bug will go through the following stages (Starting from the top left, moving counterclockwise):
Eggs (1mm). pearl-white in color; and
marked by an eye spot if more than five days old
1st stage nymph (1.5 mm).
2nd stage nymph (2 mm).
3rd stage nymph (2.5 mm).
4th stage nymph (3 mm).
5th stage nymph (4.5 mm).
Unfed adult female.
Unfed adult male.
Life cycle of the bed bug. Photo Courtesy of Stephen Doggett, Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
