If you’ve ever dealt with bed bugs, you know the feeling of discomfort and anxiousness that comes with discovering an infestation. But can bed bugs make you sick? In this article, we will explore how these pests can affect our health and whether or not you should worry about them.
Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?
The good news is that bed bugs have not been shown to carry diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs do not spread diseases to humans. However, they can cause physical and mental discomfort.
Effects of Bed Bugs on Human Health
While bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, they are still recognized as public health pests. They can impact our physical and mental well-being. Let’s explore how bed bugs can affect our health.
- Skin Irritation and Allergies
For many individuals, bed bug bites can cause severe itching, leading to scratching and skin irritation. Some may experience an allergic reaction to these pests’ bites, leading to difficulty breathing, hives, or a swollen tongue or throat.
- Secondary Infections
Bed bug bites can cause secondary infections. Scratching the bites can break the skin, creating an entry point for bacteria and causing infections such as impetigo or lymphangitis. Keeping the bug bites clean and avoiding excessive scratching can minimize the risk of secondary infections.
- Mental Health Impacts
Living in an infested home can take a toll on a person’s mental well-being. The CDC and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognize that the psychological effects of bed bug infestations can be significant. Individuals experiencing infestations may report anxiety, insomnia, and systemic reactions due to stress and sleep disturbances.
Prevention and Treatment
The best way to deal with bed bugs is preventing an infestation. Regularly inspecting your sleeping area and surroundings for signs of bed bugs (blood stains, fecal spots, and skin sheds) can help identify infestations early on. If you travel frequently, carefully inspect hotel rooms before settling in. Taking precautions can reduce the chances of encountering bed bugs.
If you believe you have bed bugs in your home, taking immediate action is essential. Contact a bed bug control professional to discuss your options for extermination. Bed bugs are challenging to eliminate, so working with an expert can ensure the infestation is entirely eliminated.
Looking for a Bed Bug Exterminator?
If you’re searching for reliable bed bug control service in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, contact us at Arrow Services, Inc. We are certified and experienced pest control specialists who will guarantee your home is free from bed bugs. Call us today at 1-877-309-1196!