BEDBUGS
Bedbugs pose a significant threat to both residential and commercial properties. These persistent pests feed on human blood, causing itchy welts and potential allergic reactions. They often originate from infested furniture, luggage, or clothing. Regularly inspecting and cleaning bedding, furniture, and upholstery can help prevent bedbug infestations.
Bed bugs are insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. 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. Symptoms may take between minutes to days to appear and itchiness is generally present. Some individuals may feel tired or have a fever. Uncovered areas of the body are affected and often three bites occur in a row. Their bites are not known to transmit any infectious disease.
Bed bugs are between 1 and 7 mm and spread by crawling between nearby locations or by being carried within personal items.
Infestation is rarely due to a lack of hygiene but is more common in high-density areas. Bed bugs spend much of their time in dark, hidden locations like mattress seams, or cracks in a wall.
Treatment is directed towards the symptoms. Eliminating bed bugs from the home is often difficult, partly because bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding. Repeated treatments of a home may be required. These treatments may include heating the room to 50 °C (122 °F) for more than 90 minutes, frequent vacuuming, washing clothing at high temperatures, and the use of various pesticides.
Bed bugs occur in all regions of the globe. Rates of infestations are relatively common, theories including increased human travel. Bed bugs have been known human parasites for thousands of years.