Lorain County Public Health gives people advice to help them control bed bug infestations. Bed bugs bite humans but do not spread disease. In order to prevent bed bugs - carefully check clothes and baggage, especially after traveling. Also inspect beds, sheets, blankets, and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Vacuum the mattress and bedroom floors often, and wash bedding often.
Bed bugs are small, flat, insects that feed on the
Bed bug infestations usually happen around or near the areas where people sleep, including couches and recliners. Bed bugs have been found in residential homes as well as apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms. They hide during the day in places like seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any in other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs can travel over 100 feet in a
Bed bugs do not spread disease. Bed bugs can be annoying because their bites might make you itch. Sometimes itching the bites too much can cause a skin infection.
A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Some people have no sign of a bite, some get a small bite mark, and some have a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered dangerous. If you have an allergic reaction to several bites, you may need medical attention.
One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is if someone has bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts after sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to show up in some people. Look for other clues to see if bed bugs have infested an area:
You may not know if you’ve been bitten by a bed bug. Some signs include:
Some people may be allergic to
People sometimes spread bed bugs when they travel. They may not realize they’re spreading bed bugs because bed bugs are very good at hiding.
Anyone who:
To treat bites, avoid scratching the area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine.
If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or a professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. The best way to prevent bed bugs is
For advice on locating or treating bed bugs, contact LCPH at 440-322-6367.
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