Bed bugs are small, flat, oval insects that can invade your home. They most commonly feed on humans, although their food source is the blood from any human or animal. Being they live on blood, they can be found anywhere they can find their food source. This means that it does not matter if your home is immaculate or filthy, or what your socioeconomic class is, bed bugs can still become an issue.
Bed bugs may be found nestled in mattresses, small crevices and clothing. They easily transport in clothing, luggage, purses and other belongings. This enables them to quickly spread from place to place. They tend to be most active in the night when people and animals are sleeping. They puncture the skin and inject their saliva into the host. This keeps blood from clotting. You cannot feel the bug biting, which allows them the 3-10 minutes to feed uninterrupted. What you feel is the aftermath of itchiness and redness.
Michigan has recently experienced an increase in reported bed bug cases. Although these biting insects do not spread diseases, as far as we know, they quickly become a very uncomfortable issue, both physically and mentally. Knowing that you may be eaten by a small insect while you sleep can be very disturbing. The itching, redness, and allergic reaction (for some) that results from their bite is extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant. Bites can go unnoticed for weeks, and sometimes their victims show no symptoms.
how do i know if i have bed bugs?
Read one of our previous posts on bed bugs.
Symptoms:
- Redness, Itchiness, Swelling. Often times you will develop a rash and itching. Try to avoid itching the bites.
- Bite lines or bites grouped together. The most common places are the areas exposed while you sleep. Face, ankles, arms, legs, elbows, and hands.
- Blisters or hives. The bites can become red and then turn into little blisters and skin inflammation. Some people have a more severe reaction and may break out in hives.
what do i do if i have bed bugs?
If you feel that you may potentially have bed bugs, the best thing to do is to call in a professional.We are experienced in removing bed bugs and providing preventative treatments to ensure they do not return.