What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are tiny insects that sip exclusively on blood. These insects do not carry disease but their bites may cause a serious allergic reaction that requires medical attention. They are small, flat insects that are reddish-brown and about 5mm in length. 1 bed bug can produce hundres of offspring. It takes a bed bug 3-5 minutes to feed. They can live 1 year without feeding
How to prevent Bed bugs
- If you are staying in a hotel or a hostel, before sleeping you better check your beds, pillows and blankets. Bed bugs usually hide or stay there waiting for you to go to sleep.
- Before checking out check your clothes and luggage there may be a bed bug hiding there. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel.
- When returning from travel, wash and dry your clothes on a high heat temperature immediately, Dryer on a high heat can kill the bed bugs.
- Minimize clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs
- Carefully inspect your furniture at home. Look for the signs of bed bug infestation. Get a flashlight so you can check your furniture better.
- Vacuum frequently. This will help you to get the bed bugs where you can't reach them.
- Seal cracks and crevices around, baseboards and light sockets if you are not using it.
Essential Oils - Mix the 3 essential oils Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and add some water put it in a spray bottle. You can buy essential oils in the essential stores in a mall. After mixing, spray the solution where the bed bugs are hiding. Bed bugs don't like the smell and taste if the solution.
Bleach - You can also spray bleach where the bed bugs live. Bleach can kill bed bugs and their eggs because of its content.
Double Adhesive Tape - You can use this to remove the eggs of the bed bugs. Just paste the double adhesive tape where you can see the eggs of the bed bugs wait for 1 minute after removing it. You will see the eggs in the tape.
Where do the bites usually appear?
- Bed bug bites usually appear in areas exposed while sleeping, like the head and neck, shoulders, arms and legs.
What do the bites look like?
- Bed bug bites looks like red bumps or welts on the skin, papules or even blisters. The red bumps may have a dark pinpoint centre and a lighter surronding area.
How to Cure Bed Bug Bites?
- - To remove the itchiness caused by bed bugs prepare Baking soda, Lemon slices, and water.
Procedure:
- In a bowl mix the baking soda, Lemon slices, and water mix it well until the baking soda dissolves and the texture will become creamy. Using cotton apply the solution lightly where the bed bugs bite you. This helps you neutralized the acidic chemicals that cause the itchiness.
How do I treat bed bug bites with medication?
- Use an anti-inflammatory cream such as a topical steroid cream, a non-medicated anti-itch cream like calamine lotion, or those containing menthol. If it gets worse, see you doctor.
- Boxspring
- Frame or Headboard
- Baseboard Areas
- Couch or Chair
- Nightstand or Dresser
- Walls or Ceiling
- Mattres
- Movie Theaters
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Schools and Daycares
- Hotels and Motels
- Apartments and Condos
- College dorms
- Offices
