Bed bugs are little pests that can cause quite an infestation if they find their way into your home. Bites from these little insects do not pose a significant health risk. They tend to occur at night while people are sleeping. However, these bites may be itchy and sore. A gentle soap and water wash, an anti-itch cream, and an antihistamine are some effective bed bug bite treatments.
What Are Bedbugs?
Bed bugs (scientifically known as Cimex lectularius) are small insects that feast on human and animal blood. They mostly parasitically rely on their human hosts for existence.
What Do Bed Bugs Really Look Like?
Bed bugs are flat, brown, or reddish-brown bugs. They normally have 6 legs. Adult bed bugs can group up to the size of apple seeds (5-7 mm). Young bed bugs are transparent or have a whitish or yellowish appearance. The bed bug’s eggs are quite tiny, a little bigger than a pinhead, and they have a pearly white tint. Bed bug eggs that are older than five days are characterized by having a black dot. As the female bed bug can lay anywhere from 200 to 500 eggs throughout her lifespan. This means that even a small number of these pests can rapidly multiply and become a problem.
Some of The Bed Bug Bites Treatment Options
Bites from bed bugs are known to irritate the skin and cause itching and redness. There is no evidence that they transmit illness, but if you scratch your bites too much, you might end up with an infection. Various treatments are available to help lessen the discomfort of bed bug bites and the risk of subsequent illnesses. They include:
- Using Antihistamines.
Bed bug bites may cause irritation and swelling, and antihistamines are ideal for alleviating these symptoms. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)are two OTC options. A histamine is a substance the body releases when exposed to an allergen; these drugs prevent the release of this substance.
- Topical Corticosteroids.
Bed bug bites may cause irritation, redness, and swelling, and topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone are ideal for alleviating these symptoms.
- Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, a compound that can help alleviate the itching and redness caused by bed bug bites. It works by drying the skin and forming a barrier against future irritation.
- Ice Packs.
Placing an icepack on a bed bug bite area can help reduce swelling and numb the area, relieving itching and pain.
In conclusion, the symptoms of bed bug bites may be alleviated, and subsequent illnesses can be avoided with the use of these treatments.
Life After Bugs Is Your Perfect Solution!
Keeping your home and its environs clean is the greatest defense against bed bugs. Bed bugs thrive in filthy, moist, and clustered locations. Keep your house tidy by cleaning and vacuuming it regularly. Bed bugs can cause a great deal of distress and anxiety, so it’s always preferable to keep them out rather than have to deal with them after they’ve moved in. However, you can do all that it takes and still find them within your premises. It is recommended that you seek professional help in case of such a scenario. These pests reproduce rapidly; thus, the earlier that you contact professional exterminators, the better. Life After Bugs is a professional pest control agency that has helped thousands of individuals in Houston and across Texas get rid of bedbugs. We are ready to help you too. Contact Life After Bugs for more information regarding our pest control services.
