Bedbug Bites
Bedbugs are tiny insects, about the size of an apple seed. They are reddish-brown and slightly flattened and oval. They feed on human blood, often at night while people are sleeping. Bedbugs are attracted by the carbon dioxide in your breath and the warmth of your body. Unlike some other parasites, they can live up to a year without eating. They don’t have wings and don’t jump. But they are fast crawlers.
Bedbugs aren't dangerous and don’t often spread disease. But an infestation should be treated as soon as possible by a professional pest control company.
Bite symptoms
The reactions from bedbug bites are due to how your immune system responds to the proteins found in bedbug saliva. The symptoms of bedbug bites can be different for each person. Bites can be found anywhere on your body but are most common on skin that is exposed. The bite marks appear as slightly swollen and red areas that may itch and be irritating.
Symptoms appear from 1 to several days after the first bite. Watch for:
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Itching.
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A red rash, which can start small and get larger.
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Hives, red swollen marks (welts), or raised red itchy areas (wheals). These may be in spots or cover a large area.
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Small, firm, flat bumps.
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Blisters.
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A cluster of bites in a line or in a curved or zigzag row.
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An allergic reaction. This can happen in people who are allergic to bedbugs and react badly to the bites.
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A skin infection from scratching the bites.
Where bedbugs hide
Bedbugs can be found in almost any place you spend time, both at home and away from home. This includes hotels, buses, trains, ships, nursing homes, and apartments. Bedbugs can be carried from place to place in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, and folded clothes. Skin-to-skin and direct clothing-to-clothing transfer are rare in bedbug infestations. That's because bedbugs come out at night, and they stay away from moving hosts.
Bedbugs can be in clean or dirty places. Because of their size and shape, bedbugs can get into small places where you wouldn’t think to look. They tend to be found mostly in furniture, furnishings around the home, clothing, and cracks and crevices. They can be found in areas such as:
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Beds and mattresses, especially in the seams.
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The joints of bed frames or the headboard.
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Sheets and blankets.
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Couches, fabric-covered chairs, and other furniture with fabric.
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Rugs, especially along the edges.
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Luggage or boxes.
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Clothing.
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Behind wall decorations, pictures, mirrors, and smoke alarms, and in electric outlets.
How to find them
Bedbugs are most active at night and are big enough to be seen. But they also may leave some trace, such as:
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Black spots (feces) on a bed mattress, especially around the seams.
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Blood spots on the sheets.
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Shells they may have shed.
Home care
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Bite symptoms often go away on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.
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To help prevent infection, don't scratch the bites.
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To relieve itching and swelling, use an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone ointment or lotions or creams that contain anti-itch medicines.
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If you need more relief, put an ice pack on the bites. Use the ice pack for up to 20 minutes at a time. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.
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If you have many bites or bad itching, take an OTC oral antihistamine. Follow the directions on the package. Some of the antihistamines can make you sleepy. Don't use these with certain medicines or if you have certain medical conditions. Talk to your health care provider about which ones are safe to use to help your symptoms.
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If a bite becomes infected, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic. This may be a pill you take by mouth. Or it may be a cream you put on your skin.
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If you were bitten in your home, talk with a licensed pest-control company. Bedbugs don't live on you. They live in cracks in your house. The company can inspect your home and help you get rid of the bugs safely.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
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Signs of infection in the bites, such as swelling, redness, and pain that gets worse, warmth in the area, or drainage from the bites.
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Signs of allergic reaction, such as hives or a spreading rash.
Call 911
Call 911 if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
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Itching or swelling of your tongue or throat.
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Wheezing, trouble breathing, or breathing very fast.
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Trouble swallowing.
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Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.
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Blue, gray, or pale skin, lips or tongue, fingertips, palms of your hands, or soles of your feet.