Bed bug overview by Greenland facilities services - Lagos

Bedbugs are small insects that can infest homes and other structures. There are several species of bedbugs, one of which (Cimex lectularius) is responsible for the majority of infestations in temperate (moderate) climates; another species can be found in more tropical areas. There are also related species known as "bat bugs" and "bird bugs", which infest the habitats of those animals. A microscopic examination may be necessary to distinguish bedbugs from other species.
This topic will review how to determine if bedbugs are present, how to treat bedbug bites, and how to eliminate a bedbug infestation.
WHERE ARE BEDBUGS FOUND?
Human bedbugs are found around the world and can infest any structure or site where people may rest. Bedbugs tend to be more common in apartment buildings, other multi-family facilities (eg, homeless shelters), dormitories, and hotels. Historically, they have also been found in public transportation systems and entertainment venues.
Bedbugs from tropical areas can be transported to non-tropical locations by international travelers, who unknowingly carry the insects on their clothing or luggage.
Bedbugs feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans; they are attracted by warmth and carbon dioxide, and tend to bite when a person is asleep or still for a period of time. They favor cracks and crevices in mattresses, cushions, bed frames, in the folds of curtains, behind loose wallpaper, peeling paint or baseboards, and in clothing or other items on the floor. During a heavy infestation, bedbugs may spread to other items in the room, as well as to adjacent rooms.

The females also lay eggs in these locations, which hatch after four to 10 days. Because bedbugs typically hide during the day, they are often not seen or suspected until bites to the skin are observed.

BEDBUG APPEARANCE

Bedbugs are small and wingless (non-flying), with flat oval-shaped bodies and six legs (picture 1). They are reddish-brown in color, and may appear redder after feeding on blood. Adult bedbugs reach about 0.25 inches (5 to 7 mm) in length, and the body elongates and widens after a meal.

As bedbugs molt (shed their skin) several times throughout their lifetime, cast-off skins may occasionally be visible at the site of a previous or current infestation.

REACTION TO BEDBUG BITES

It takes 5 to 10 minutes for a bedbug to complete a "blood meal", or feeding. Bedbugs often inflict a series of bites in a row, and typically target exposed areas of skin (eg, face, neck, arms, hands). The bite itself is generally painless, and may not be noticed until the person awakens or even until one to several days later.

Reactions to bedbug bites vary; some people have few or no symptoms, while others experience a more severe reaction. Typically, bedbug bites appear as small, red and swollen areas on the skin, often with a point or dot visible in the center. The area is usually intensely itchy, and may resemble urticaria (hives), a common skin reaction that is often triggered by contact with an allergen.

Occasionally, a reaction to a bedbug bite is delayed for up to 10 days after the bite. This occurrence can lead to confusion regarding where and when the person came in contact with the infestation.

Without treatment, bedbug bites usually take three to six weeks to heal, although new bites are likely to accumulate even as the older ones disappear as long as the infestation is still present. Bites may become infected, particularly if the person scratches at and further irritates the skin.

Psychosocial aspects — People affected by bedbugs may experience significant levels of stress and anxiety as a result of concerns about spreading the infestation. However, with the proper measures, bedbugs can be eliminated safely and successfully. Feelings of panic, depression, or extreme anxiety or despair should be discussed

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