Can Bed Bugs Make You Sick?

December 12, 2023• Blogs• Kamal Rana

Can Bed Bugs Make You Sick

You might be thinking can Bed Bugs Make You Sick, they don’t bring major diseases, but these persistent pests can be a real bother, causing discomfort and stress. From hotels to homes, they’re everywhere, making us wonder: Can Bed Bugs Make You Sick? Stick around as we dig into the world of Canadian bed bugs, revealing how common they are, the issues they create, and whether they pose any health risks.

Overview of different types of Bed Bugs

Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius)

Appearance	Habitat	Feeding Habits
Flat Oval-shaped Reddish-brown insects 4-5 mm long when unfed and 7-8 mm long after feeding.	Found in cracks and crevices close to where people sleep. Mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards and furniture Behind wallpaper and electrical outlets.	Nocturnal: Active primarily at night when people are asleep. Blood-feeding: They pierce the skin with their proboscis and suck blood for about 5-10 minutes. Multiple bites: May feed multiple times in a single night, often leaving a line of 3-4 bites. Frequency: Feed every 5-7 days. Duration: Can survive for several months between feedings.

Tropical Bed Bug (Cimex hemipterus)

Appearance	Habitat	Feeding Habits
Similar to the common bed bug but slightly smaller and lighter in color.	Found in cracks and crevices close to where people sleep. Mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards and furniture Behind wallpaper and electrical outlets. Outdoor areas like bird nests and bat roosts.	Nocturnal: Active primarily at night when people are asleep. Blood-feeding: They pierce the skin with their proboscis and suck blood for about 5-10 minutes. Multiple bites: May feed multiple times in a single night, often leaving a line of 3-4 bites. Frequency: Feed every 5-7 days. Duration: Can survive for several months between feedings.

Bat Bug (Cimex pilosellus):

Appearance	Habitat	Feeding Habits
Similar to the common bed bug but slightly larger and hairy.	Prefers to live in bat roosts but can also infest homes if bats are present in the vicinity.	Nocturnal: Active Primarily feeds on bat blood but can also feed on humans if they are accessible.

Swallow Bug (Oeciacus hirundinis)

Appearance	Habitat	Feeding Habits
Smaller and more slender than the common bed bug, with a reddish-brown color.	Found in bird nests, particularly swallow nests.	Feeds on bird blood but may occasionally feed on humans.

Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis):

Appearance	Habitat	Feeding Habits
Large, dark brown bug with a protruding proboscis.	Found outdoors in coniferous forests.	Feeds on conifer seeds but may enter homes in search of warmth and can occasionally bite humans, although their bites are not harmful.

Kissing Bug (Triatoma species)

Appearance	Habitat	Feeding Habits
Varied in appearance but typically brown or black with elongated bodies.	Found outdoors in wooded areas and can enter homes through cracks and crevices.	Feeds on the blood of mammals, including humans, but their bites are not usually harmful. However, some species can transmit Chagas disease, a serious parasitic illness.

Common signs of a bed bug infestation.

Sign	Description
Bite Marks	Clusters of itchy, red welts, often in a straight line or zigzag pattern, appear on exposed skin after sleep.
Blood Stains	Small, rusty, or reddish stains on sheets, mattresses, pillowcases, and furniture where bed bugs have been crushed.
Fecal Stains	Dark brown or black spots, about the size of a period, are found on mattresses, bedding, and near-bed frames.
Eggs and Eggshells	Tiny, pale yellow eggs (about 1mm) and shed nymphal skins are found in clusters on mattresses, seams, and crevices.
Live Bed Bugs	Flat, oval-shaped insects about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown in color, visible to the naked eye.
Musty Odor	A sweet, musty smell, similar to almonds or coriander, emitted by bed bugs and their droppings.
Cast Skins	Translucent, yellowish-brown husks shed by nymphs as they grow.

Health Concerns and Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, those annoying nighttime visitors, have been a bother for ages. In the past, people thought they were connected to diseases like typhus and the bubonic plague because they hung out in places with diseases so bed bugs make you sick. But now, recent research shows that bed bugs don’t spread major diseases.

What are the misconceptions about bed bugs?

Hygiene-relate: Some believe bed bugs only hang out in dirty places. But here’s the truth: they can show up in any home, whether it’s super clean or not.
Location-based: People might think bed bugs stick to big cities. Nope, they’re equal opportunity pests – you can find them in urban and rural areas alike.
Activity period: Ever heard that bed bugs only come out to play at night? Well, that’s not entirely true. If they’re hungry, they might decide to snack on you during the day.
Transmission source: While many blame used furniture as the bed bug culprit, the reality is they’re quite the hitchhikers. They can hop on your luggage, clothes, or anything else and make themselves at home.
Cold-sensitive: Some think bed bugs can’t handle Canada’s chilly winters. Surprise, surprise – they can endure the cold and keep on reproducing. So, winter won’t save you from these little pests.

Allergic Reactions and Secondary Infections

Category	Description	Symptoms	Treatment
Allergic Reactions	Allergic reactions to bed bug bites can be mild or severe, varying depending on individual sensitivity.	Intense itching Swelling Hives Blisters In rare cases, anaphylactic shock	Antihistamines Corticosteroids Epinephrine (in case of anaphylaxis)
Secondary Infections	Scratching itchy bites can break the skin, creating entry points for bacteria, and leading to secondary infections.	Redness Warmth Oozing Pus formation	Antibiotic creams Oral antibiotics (depending on severity)

How does bed bug infestation affect mental health?

Bed bug infestation affects mental health in the following ways:

Anxiety and Stress: Constant worry about bed bugs, both at home and in public spaces, can lead to chronic anxiety and stress. Individuals may become hypervigilant, constantly checking for signs of the bugs and fearing bed bug bites.

Sleep Disorders: The fear of being bitten at night can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, fatigue, and irritability. This can further exacerbate anxiety and depression.

Depression and Shame: Feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation are common in individuals experiencing bed bug infestations. They may feel ostracized by friends and family and avoid social interactions due to fear of spreading the bugs.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): In some cases, the emotional trauma of living with bed bugs can lead to PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. This can significantly impact daily life and require professional therapy.

How to keep bed bugs away

The preventive measures to keep bed bugs away are as follows:

Stay alert: Keep an eye out for bed bugs in your home. Look for live bugs, their shed skin, bloodstains, or fecal matter.
Seal up gaps: Bed bugs like hiding in tiny spaces, so close off cracks in your walls, baseboards, and around outlets.
Guard your bed: Use special covers on your mattress and box spring to keep bed bugs out.
Laundry routine: Wash your bedding, like sheets and pillowcases, every week in hot water (at least 50°C). Dry them on high heat.
Vacuum often: Give your carpets, floors, and furniture a regular vacuum, especially focusing on corners and seams.
Clear the clutter: Bed bugs love hiding in mess, so tidy up your home and get rid of unnecessary stuff.
Used furniture caution: Check second-hand furniture for bed bugs before bringing it home. You might want to treat it with heat before using it.
Travel smart: Before unpacking at a hotel, inspect for bed bugs. Keep your luggage on racks or in a closed closet. Wash your clothes in hot water once you’re back home.

Control Measures to keep bed bugs in check

Get professional help: If you think you have bed bugs, reach out to a pest control expert right away. They know how to get rid of bed bugs using the right methods and tools.
Follow their instructions: Listen carefully to what the pest control team tells you. Do what they say, including getting your home ready for treatment and doing anything they suggest after.
Clean and heat things: Wash all your bedding, clothes, and anything with bed bugs in hot water (at least 50°C). Dry them on high heat. If you can’t wash something, seal it in a bag and leave it in the sun for a few days.
Vacuum a lot: Keep your place super clean by vacuuming often. This helps you to get rid of bed bugs that are leftovers or their eggs.
Keep an eye out: Even after treatment, keep checking your home for bed bugs. If you see any signs they’re back, call the pest control folks right away.

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FAQs

1. Can bed bugs directly transmit diseases?

No, bed bugs themselves are not known to transmit any diseases directly to humans in Canada. While they may carry various pathogens like bacteria and viruses, the risk of transmission through their bites is considered extremely low.

2. Can bed bug bites cause any health problems?

While the bites are not directly infectious, they can cause some discomfort, itchiness, inflammation, and allergic reactions like hives.

3. Can bed bugs cause mental health problems?

Yes, the stress and anxiety associated with a bed bug infestation can lead to various mental health issues, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

4. What can I do to reduce the itchiness from bed bug bites?

You can wash the bite area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to the bite area. Use an over-the-counter antihistamine or calamine lotion and avoid scratching the bites, as this can worsen the itching and increase the risk of infection.

5. When should I seek medical attention for bed bug bites?

If you experience Severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, etc.) or have a fever or have ous drainage from the site, you should seek medical attention.

6. What are some tips for preventing bed bug infestations in Canada?

To help prevent bed bugs from entering your home, you should inspect your belongings carefully after traveling and be cautious when buying used furniture. You should also seal any cracks or crevices in your walls and baseboards and vacuum your floors and furniture regularly.

Conclusion

While bed bugs don’t necessarily give you diseases in Canada, they can still affect your health. Their bites can make you itchy and uncomfortable, and scratching might lead to infections. The stress from dealing with them can also cause anxiety, sleep problems, and even depression. So, even though they don’t make you sick directly, it’s important to get rid of them quickly to keep yourself well.

Last modified: January 6, 2024