Bed bugs do not pose a threat to your health but they can be a nuisance nonetheless. One of their favourite pastimes is feeding on your exposed skin while you sleep. The bites are usually painless unless they cause a reaction – this can cause red, very itchy bite marks and can be accompanied by painful swelling, explains the NHS.
It can be hard to distinguish a bed bug bite from a regular insect bite but there are some distinctive clues.
For starters, you should look for bite marks on areas exposed while sleeping, such as the face, neck and arms, notes the NHS.
Another telltale sign are spots of blood on your bedding from the bites, the health body adds.
A lesser-known warning sign can be identified using your olfactory organ – your sense of smell.
According to pest control body Arrow, bed bugs may emit a coriander-like smell.
The bug company explains: “When the seeds of coriander are ripe, they emit a musty, sweetish aroma that has been compared to that of bed bugs.”
It is commonly thought that the smell originates from the droppings of the bug, says the pest control outfit.
“Sometimes after a very heavy infestation that has been around long term, a minty smell is detected also,” it adds.
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How to treat bed bug bites
Bedbug bites usually clear up on their own in a week or so but there are ways to alleviate symptoms if they are causing you discomfort.
The NHS recommends:
- Putting something cool, like a clean, damp cloth, on the affected area to help with the itching and any swelling
- Keeping the affected area clean
- Not scratching the bites to avoid getting an infection.
According to the health body, you can also ask a pharmacist about using a mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone cream to ease bed bug bites.
If the bites are very itchy and you’re unable to sleep, the pharmacist may offer you antihistamines, it says.
How to get rid of an infection
Once your symptoms have cleared up, you must tackle the underlying infestation.
“This can be difficult because bed bugs hide so well and can live several months without eating,” says Mayo Clinic.
Bed Bugs can hide in many places, including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.
According to Mayo Clinic, your best bet may be to hire a professional exterminator, who may use a combination of pesticides and non-chemical treatments.
Non-chemical treatments may include:
- Vacuuming – A thorough vacuuming of cracks and crevices can physically remove bedbugs from an area. Empty the vacuum after each use.
- Laundering – Washing and drying items in a dryer on a high setting will kill bedbugs in clothing or linens.
- Freezing – Bed Bugs are also vulnerable to temperatures below 0C, but you’d need to leave the items outdoors or in the freezer for several days.
According to the NHS, putting affected clothing and bedding in a plastic bag in the freezer for four days should do the trick.
There are also some tips you should avoid to stop them coming back, says the health body.
It says:
- Do not keep clutter around your bed
- Do not bring secondhand furniture indoors without carefully checking it first
- Do not take luggage or clothing indoors without checking it carefully if you have come from somewhere where you know there were bedbugs.
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