Have you noticed marks on your body that you suspect may be bedbug bites?

bedbug bite

 The first and most important thing to remember is do not panic. Bedbugs may be expensive and a pain to deal with, but they are not dangerous to you. Bedbug bites do not transmit disease. The main risk of bedbug bites is itching and infection caused by scratches.

    Here is what to do if you suspect you have bedbugs:
Observe the Nature of the Bites
    Bedbug bites typically appear in clusters of 3. You may hear this referred to as the “breakfast, lunch & dinner” pattern.

     Appropriately Treat Bite Locations
    Wash the bedbug bite locations with mild soap and water. Pat dry and do your best not to scratch. If necessary, use anti-itch cream. If you are the sort of person that has significant reactions to insect bites, consider taking an oral allergy pill such as Claritin or Benadryl to reduce your body’s reaction to the bites. When in doubt, consult with your doctor.

    Don’t Panic
    Relax. Do some research – have any bedbugs been reported in your building? Check out your building or any recent hotels you have stayed at on apartment-rental-ratings.com and bedbugregistry.com
    It is a good idea to call a professional exterminator to assess your situation and confirm the presence of bedbugs.  Consider also paying a visit to your doctor to confirm that the marks you have are in fact bedbug bites.

     Remove and Wash Bedding
    DO NOT spread your bedbug infestation by moving your bedding onto another bed or by placing it on the floor or a nearby chair! Very gently – so that you don’t scatter any bedbugs or loosen any bedbug eggs – remove all bedding and place it in plastic bags for transport to laundry facilities. Wash on high heat with a borax based soap. Dry on the highest setting possible for at least one hour.

     Check Your Mattress and Box Spring for Bedbugs
    Carefully check all edges and folds for blood spots, bedbugs, cast skins or droppings. Vacuum the mattress carefully focussing on all edges, stiching and and handles. Remember to first remove brush heads from vacuum hose so that you do not spread eggs around. Put the vacuum bag in plastic bag, seal it, and immediately put in an outside garbage container.

     Create a Bedbug-Free Zone
    Apply diatomaceous earth and double sided sticky tape to your bed posts to stop bedbugs from traveling in and out of your bed via the bedlegs. Consider purchasing insect-interceptors for under the bed posts. Pull your bed a few inches from the walls so that the bed legs are the only route for bedbugs attempting to travel to & from the bed. Cover your mattress and box spring with bedbug-proof mattress covers. Diatomaceous Earth will last up to 6 months. Re-apply around bedpost after each floor washing or vacuuming. Bedbugs are mostly active at night. If you have them, they will be hiding as close to your bed as they can get. Don’t let your bedding touch the floor – especially while you sleep. They may attempt to climb up it.

    When in doubt, consult with your doctor and a pest control specialist.
For more info about Bed Bugs, visit Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites