Bed bugs are round flat insects of a rich reddish brown colour that cannot fly. They must either crawl or be passively transported in clothing, luggage and furniture etc.
In temperate climates bed bugs reach their peak numbers towards early autumn. They do not carry disease but their blood feeding can cause severe irritation in some people, resulting in loss of sleep, lack of energy and listlessness, particularly in children.
Bed bug bites mainly consist of a raised red bump, accompanied by intense itching. They are caused by an allergic reaction to the bug’s saliva and the bites can take several days to appear.
The bites may also generally be seen in 3s, which distinguishes them from flea bites.
Bed Bug Infection
Bed bug infection refers to the skin irritation and allergic reaction caused by the bites of bed bugs. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, usually at night while people are sleeping. They are commonly found in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and cracks in walls. Although bed bugs do not typically spread diseases, their bites can cause discomfort and affect a person’s quality of life.
The most common signs of bed bug bites are small, red, itchy bumps that often appear in clusters or straight lines on exposed areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, neck, and face. The itching can range from mild to severe and may lead to scratching, which can break the skin and increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, resulting in swelling, redness, and increased irritation around the bite area.
