Handling bed bug infestation

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Posted: 1/22/08

Bed bugs are wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. The bugs seek out people and animals at night in their sleep. They inject saliva consisting of an anticoagulant, a substance that delays or prevents the clotting of blood, into the skin. Prolonged exposure to bed bugs causes people to become sensitized to their saliva. Additional bites may result in mild to intense allergic responses.

Treatment:

Treatment for bed bug bites aims to relieve symptoms; bites heal within one to two weeks.

Avoid scratching to prevent infection.

Apply a topical cream to relieve itching.

Consult a doctor regarding severe reactions. An oral antibiotic may be recommended if infection occurs. Oral corticosteroids may be recommended for severe allergic reaction.

Take antihistamines to relieve allergic reactions.

Prevention

Inspect antiques and second-hand furniture thoroughly before bringing into the home.

Employ the services of a professional exterminator, regularly.

Inspect temporary lodging when traveling.

After returning from a trip, check luggage for insects.

Change bed linens at least once a week, and wash sheets in water of at least 97 F.

Vacuum the home at least once a week, and pay special attention to areas arround bed and furniture posts.

Caulk holes in floors and walls.

Dismantle and treat with insecticides or discard any used furniture, including bed frames and mattresses. Use insecticide sprays containing dichlorvos, permethrin or malathion around cracks and crevices in the home. Lawn and garden insect control sprays may contain these insecticides, but professional inspection and extermination may be best.

Eliminate any neighboring bird and bat habitats that may serve as a refuge for bedbugs, especially following an extermination attempt.