Are Bed Bugs a Health Hazard?

As much as we’d like to think it isn’t true, bed bugs are a common pest. They lurk in new and used furniture, clothing, and other everyday items. They’re hard to see, making it easy for them to migrate from one location to the next. They’re even part of many nighttime rituals—just ask anyone whose parents told them to sleep tight and not let the bedbugs bite.

 

So, are they dangerous? The answer is a slightly complicated “yes and no.” Burns Pest Elimination, offering pest control in Nevada and Arizona, offers info on the dangers of these invasive pests and tips on how to get rid of bed bugs.

Health Risks from Bed Bugs

Unlike some pests, these insects don’t transmit dangerous diseases to humans—though they can carry Chagas Disease, even if they don’t transmit it to humans. The most direct health risk from bed bugs is their bites which, like a bee’s sting, can cause reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. The bite of a bed bug only causes localized itchiness and irritation in most people. Some, though, can experience anaphylaxis, a full-body reaction that can lead to death. The problem begins with scratching at the wound site. Disrupting the surface of the skin makes infection likelier. Impetigo and other secondary infections can also occur after scratching.

Psychological Dangers

It isn’t just the risk of infection or the much rarer risk of anaphylaxis that makes pest control a must when these pests invade your home. Bringing these blood-suckers into your living space can also make you feel anxious and uncomfortable in your own house or apartment. Some people develop insomnia since bedbugs are nocturnal. Elevated stress levels and sleepless nights can add up to reduced focus. The inability to concentrate can lead to carelessness, clumsiness, and even car crashes or other types of accidents.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

It can be hard to avoid bringing these bugs into your personal space. Check your clothes and purse or backpack before going to bed. When coming home from a trip, inspect your luggage outside with a flashlight. If you come across bed bugs, wash infested items in the hottest water possible. Your dryer’s high-heat setting will also kill invaders.

But if your home has already been infested, you’ll need professional help to get rid of bed bugs. With decades of pest control experience behind us, the Burns Pest Elimination team can restore comfort and safety at your home or business. We serve residential and commercial customers in the Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas areas. Bed bugs biting? Call us today!