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Health

How to Know If You Have Bed Bugs

What do bed bug bites look like? Many people are afraid of bed bugs. The very fact that these creatures feed on our blood is bad enough, isn’t it? However, you will be relieved to read that bed bugs are not as dangerous as we think. Yes, they are annoying, and yes, they can cause skin irritation, but – they are not very dangerous.

Bed bugs can’t cause any serious health problems. Fleas and ticks can transmit various diseases (some of which are really serious), but we can’t say the same for bed bugs. They are annoying and you should exterminate them as soon as possible, but there is no need to panic!

It is important to know what bed bug rashes look like. You should also learn more about the difference between bed bug bites and fleabites. As we said, fleabites may lead to some serious health problems. It is important to learn more about fleabites, so you can recognize them in time.

Fleabites are random and they are usually found on a person’s legs (and ankles). Bed bug bites are grouped together and they are usually found on the upper parts of one’s body.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like

Bed bug bites look like small reddish bumps. These bumps are grouped together, unlike fleabites (that are random). Bed bug bites are usually found on the upper body (unlike fleabites that are usually found on legs).

Bed bug bites resemble a skin allergy. The bites are itchy, but you must not scratch them! Scratching can lead to skin irritation, and it can even lead to scars. If your skin is sensitive, it will be wise to visit your dermatologist and ask for some advice on how to relieve the itchiness.

Bed Bug Rashes

  • The bites on your skin are reliable indicators that you have bed bugs. Now, if you see the rash on your skin, here is what you have to do.
  • Visit your dermatologist to make sure these really are bed bug bites.
  • If you have been bitten by bed bugs, try not to scratch the skin. Scratching will lead to irritation, skin inflammation and possibly scars.
  • Use some herbal remedies to relieve the itchiness.
  • After a week or so, the rash will go away.
  • As you can see, a bed bug rash is not dangerous. Itchiness and irritation will stop after several days and the rash will disappear.

Old Furniture

If you store the old furniture in the house, you may have bed bugs. These bugs love dark and dusty places. They usually live in old closets, mattresses, beds, carpets and armchairs. They reproduce very fast and there can be hundreds of them. However, this problem can be dealt with.

You can use chemicals made for bed bugs extermination. You can also clean the house using a steam cleaner. Even if you don’t use these old pieces of furniture, you should clean these, too. Another thing you can do is store the old furniture outside the house.

Wall Cracks

Bed bugs love wall cracks because these places are perfect for hiding during the day. Fix your walls in time! Fixing the walls will certainly help you prevent other insects from getting into your house.

Keep the House Clean

A certified entomologist and pest control consultant, Dan Crosfield on bed bugs says, cleaning the house frequently will help you prevent bed bugs. Pay attention to mattresses, closets, beds, and armchairs.

You can call professional cleaners to come every once in a while and clean the house using their chemicals. They are equipped with powerful stuff made for such purposes.

You can buy some chemicals for bed bugs prevention. However, before you start using any of these products, you must read the label and see how safe it is. This is especially important if you have kids or pets.

Many people use natural remedies to calm irritated skin. Some of these home remedies include:

– Olive oil
– Lavender oil
– Coldwater
– Baking soda
– Calamine lotion
– Antibacterial soap

Antibacterial soap will prevent various infections. Coldwater will provide relief, especially during the first several days. Baking soda is another great remedy. Mix it with water and apply directly onto the affected skin.

Leave it to dry and then wash it off. Lavender oil is a well-known remedy for all kinds of skin problems. You can ask your dermatologist to give you some soothing creams.

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