Bed bug infestations can be prevented, detected, and treated—the solutions may require some hard work and expert assistance, but they are there. However, many victims of bed bug activity only discover the pests’ presence after it’s too late—by noticing the bugs’ bites on their own skin. Here are the steps you can take if you fear a bed bug has bitten:
First, you should identify the bites. This is not as easy as it may seem—often, mosquito bites or other insect bites can closely resemble bed bug bites. Look for patterns in the bites—bed bug bites tend to occur in rows of three to five bites. Pay close attention to where and when the bites occur—these patterns can help you deduce the source of the welts.
If you at all fear that the bite may be that of a bed bug, you ought to check your bed and the surrounding area for any bed bugs or noticeable traces of bed bug activity. This detection process, which has been touched on in our other blogs, is a nuanced process and you shouldn’t hesitate to call an exterminator, like Bed Bug Solutions, if you want to be certain.
If you do notice traces of the bugs—red spots from squashed bugs, the insects themselves, or skins and feces—you must call an exterminator straightaway. The risks to health, safety, and comfort posed by bed bugs simply cannot be ignored.
Some over –the-counter remedies for bed bug bites are available. Steroidal anti-itch creams with hydro-cortisone or cortisone can be helpful. Be sure to follow instructions on the packages for these creams carefully. Other efficacious treatments for bed bug bites include calamine lotion to dry a rash, topical anesthetics for pain relief, antihistamines to curb swelling and rashes, and common ibuprofen pain relievers.
If you need an immediate treatment, some home remedies are available. By applying a coat of thick paste made of baking soda and water to a bed bug bite, you can alleviate some of the pain and itching from the bite. Aloe vera is also useful on bed bug bites, for its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties.
Of course, dealing with a bed bug bite is no fun—it’s best to avoid them altogether by vigilant protection measures. However, should you have a bed bug problem on your hands, Bed Bug Solutions is on the task, with a team of experienced human exterminators and expert-trained bed bug-sniffing canines! Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernadino County, and San Diego County—call Bed Bug Solutions for all your treatment needs.