Bed Bugs – HealthLinkBC File #95

The common bed bug is a small, reddish-brown insect. Bed bugs are oval shaped with flattened bodies. The size of a bed bug is 5 to 7 mm long or 3/8 of an inch. They are usually no bigger than a lady bug.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals to survive. Unlike some parasites, such as fleas or lice, bed bugs do not live on their hosts but only visit them to feed. Bed bugs are most active at night. A bed bug bite is similar to a mosquito bite. It is painless and may result in a small, red, itchy bump. However, many people have no reaction at all.

Bed bugs cannot fly and prefer to hide close to their hosts when not feeding. Bed bugs can live for up to a year without feeding. They can be found in homes, apartments, hotels, shelters, and student dormitories. Bed bugs can also hide on clothing or in luggage when you travel. These can be brought to places like your home or hotel.

There is no evidence that bed bugs spread disease to people. They are more of a nuisance than a health concern. However, public health officials remain concerned about bed bugs because of the possibility of secondary infections. There is a risk that you could get an infection when you scratch the area of the bite.

The reaction from the bite usually goes away within hours or days without treatment. Applying an antiseptic lotion or antibiotic cream to the area can help prevent infection and ease symptoms.

In addition to skin irritations, bed bug infestations may cause some people anxiety, stress and insomnia.

Symptoms of an infection can include:

If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered nurse.

While some people do not react at all to bed bug bites, others may have allergic reactions, such as small local skin reactions. In rare cases, some people may have severe allergic reactions.

Allergic sensitivity in a person may increase the more they are bit.

More here:
Bed Bugs - HealthLinkBC File #95