Bedbug Sightings on the rise: What to Look For
New York, NY – Reports of bedbug infestations are increasing across the country, prompting health officials to remind the public how to identify and address these resilient pests. Bedbugs are blood-feeding insects that primarily target humans,though they will also bite other animals.
Identifying Bedbugs & Their Signs
Bedbugs are notoriously challenging to eliminate due to their ability to survive for months without feeding, though they typically require a blood meal every 5 to 10 days, feeding for approximately five minutes before retreating to their hiding places. They lack swift escape routes when exposed, generally relying on crawling back into cracks and crevices.
What Do Bites Look Like?
Bedbug bites are often mistaken for flea or mosquito bites, making initial detection challenging. Reactions vary; some individuals experience no reaction at all, while others may exhibit:
* Small marks
* Slightly swollen red areas
* Bites appearing in a straight line, or randomly positioned
* Itching and irritation
* Potential for insomnia and anxiety. In severe cases, allergic reactions can occur.
Importantly, bedbugs are not known to transmit disease. Bites can take up to 14 days to develop, delaying identification of an infestation.
Where on the Body Do Bites Appear?
Bites can occur on any exposed skin while sleeping, including the back, neck, face, arms, hands, and legs. This differs from flea bites, which are typically found around the lower legs and ankles.
beyond the Bites: Other Signs of Infestation
Look for these additional indicators:
* Shed bedbug skin, described as translucent or light-colored.
* Brown or red fecal spots on mattresses or sheets.
* Bedbug carcasses.
Do Bedbugs Have a Smell?
According to Jerry Lazarus, owner of Braman Termite and Pest Elimination in New England, bedbugs may emit a sickly sweet odor, similar to rotting raspberries, though this is usually associated with a meaningful infestation. Trained dogs can also be used to detect bedbugs, similar to how they are used for drug or bomb detection.
