Bedbugs are insects that belong to the family Cimicidae. Bedbugs feed on the blood of their hosts which are humans or warm-blooded animals. These insects are not nocturnal but they eat at night. What are the symptoms of a bedbug infestation?
One symptom that you have bedbugs in the house is that you get bite marks when you sleep on your bed or on the couch. Bedbugs bites can appear a few hours to a few days after you were actually bitten. How will you know that it is a bedbug bite?
Bedbug bites are lesions that can be raised or flat. And their colors range from pinkish to red. To really be sure that the bite marks are made by bedbugs, you will see a linear pattern in them. Bites are arranged in rows. Researchers said that this pattern happens because when the host moves, the bedbug changes position as well.
Different people have different reactions to bedbug bites. Some have the marks while others do not. Do not be worried about diseases because bedbug bites cannot cause any disease. These simply cause itching and a burning sensation, which is the other symptom of bedbugs.
Again, different people have different reactions. Like with the bite marks, some people feel mild itching while others cannot sleep because of it. And in rare occasions, bedbug bites have caused allergic reactions!
You can treat bedbug bites. You can take antihistamines or systemic corticosteroids. But these medications only relieve itching and the burning sensation. No effect can be seen with regards to the bite marks.
Topical corticosteroids are effective in addressing the itching and burning sensation as well as the bite marks. If you start itching, try not to scratch as this will only cause scars.
Once you have established these two symptoms, find the specific site of infestation. You can call an exterminator for bedbug treatment or you can do it yourself.
More Information:
Categories
