It is a commonly known fact that bedbugs are pests that are annoying and troublesome to deal with. Apart from the itchiness, the bites from bedbugs are generally harmless. Since bedbugs feed on blood, many have the concern that bedbugs may host diseases and spread it from human to human. Fortunately, this claim has been disproven by many studies.
Although bedbug bites are not a health concern, they can still be a source of annoyance due to the unsightly red marks and persistent itchiness. This article is a comprehensive guide on how you can recognise bedbug bites, as well as the best ways you can treat them.
How do bedbug bites look?
On fair skin, bedbug bites look like small red marks. On the other hand, these bites appear as darker spots on tanned skin. Typically, these bite spots appear in a zig-zag pattern of 3 to 5 bites because of how the bedbug moves on your skin when it is feeding on your blood. Bedbug bites are commonly seen on the arms and abdomen. If you have been bitten by mosquitos before, the comparison is that a bedbug bite is slightly smaller than ones of a mosquito. However, it is difficult to distinguish bedbug bites from flea bites because of how similar they look.
One of the ways you can distinguish the bite of pests and insects like fleas and mosquitos from bedbug bites is that you can tell when they bite. This is because they usually fly or jump away after they bite and their presence is easily recognisable. Additionally, you are generally awake to notice these insects biting. Bedbugs, on the other hand, are more covert with their subtle bites. In most cases, you will notice that you’ve been bitten by a bedbug only after it happens. Rarely will you catch bedbugs in the act, especially when you are asleep.
Best ways to treat bedbug bites
Redness and itchiness are the usual symptoms of bedbug bites. Therefore, the recommended treatment revolves around alleviating these symptoms. One of the treatments includes anti-itch creams that are sold over-the-counter. These creams significantly reduce the itching and swelling from the bites.
Another treatment option is oral antihistamines. Many variants are readily available over-the-counter and work effectively in counteracting the production of histamine by the body. Histamine is a compound released by the body during inflammation and is responsible for causing itchiness.
Besides creams and antihistamines, some people have achieved some relief after using a cold compress. This method provides temporary relief only when applied correctly. This treatment option is done by wrapping ice packs in a piece of cloth and applying it on the bite marks for about 20 minutes. This process is then repeated in 1-hour intervals until the itch subsides.
A long-term solution to bedbugs
You can treat your bedbug bites all you want, but when the pests are still present and multiplying in your house, the bites would not stop and you might start losing sleep over it. Once your house has been infested by bedbugs, the best approach is contacting a bed bug pest control company in Singapore to help get rid of these pesky pests through professional methods of extermination.
Conclusion
If you have seen bedbugs on your bed, itchiness and redness on your skin might become a common occurrence. Painful bites could sometimes be a symptom but are not always experienced. Even though the symptoms usually subside on their own, you should consider hiring experts to help with the pest control as soon as you spot bedbugs in your house.
