Recognizing Bed Bugs in Your Home And Bed Bug Bites On Your Body

I hate this fact, but you should all be able to recognize bed bugs in your home and bed bug bites on your body.

The nasty critters are back with a vengeance. In fact, it is reportedly so bad in the state of Ohio, that some residents have taken to sleeping in the streets.

New cases of bed bugs have increased 500% over the last few years.

What Do Bed Bugs In Your Home Look Like?

Inspect your home for these blood sucking parasites! They have a round body and flat profile. Their color changes before and after feeding so their colors can be anywhere from a brown to a dark red or even orange color. They are smaller than 1/4″ (size depends on whether or not they have fed) so they the bug itself is hard to spot. The  ink-like streaks from their droppings are easier to see.

Bed bug bites look like little red bumps, flat welts or skin lesions. Skin rashes are also common. Although there seem to be no diseases that are passed through bed bugs, the itching and scratching from the bites can be extremely bothersome. Also, their feces can cause problems for those of you with allergies and asthma.

The bugs usually start biting and sucking your blood right before dawn. An anesthetic is injected by the bed bugs so the person being bitten never notices them. Then an anti-coagulant is used to keep the blood flowing until feeding is complete. How gross is that?

If your home is infested, the EPA recommends reducing clutter, sealing cracks and crevices, vacuuming often, drying infested clothes at high heat and using special mattress covers. When you travel always inspect your motel or hotel mattresses, box springs and headboards for the signs of bed bugs! You can even get a special heating device that will treat your entire suitcase for you.

OK, now that I’ve given you some hints to recognize bed bugs in your home and bed bug bites on your body, I’m off to thoroughly inspect my own home!