Imagine... you're sound asleep in a soft, snuggly bed. In the middle of the night, you're awoken by an itch that needs to be scratched...like something is crawling on you.You sit up, you turn and see them, BED BUGS... they're everywhere, even on you... your nightmare just became a reality!

This doesn't just happen in underdeveloped nations.  This is a reality for an increasing number of Americans.  If you have ever experienced bed bugs, you may be embarrassed and frustrated, but it's not your fault. Bed bugs can appear in anyone's home - even the White House.

After bed bugs are brought into your home, they survive by feeding on any warm blooded animal. That includes your kids, your pets, and you.

Bed bugs are more active at night when you're sleeping. In the middle of the night when you are unable to defend yourself, bed bugs are crawling into your bed and biting you.

The thought of this makes your skin crawl and now you have a clear understanding of the old saying, "Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite".

What are Bed Bugs?

Bedbugs are small, flat, wingless insects with six legs that, like mosquitoes, feed on blood from animals or people. They range in color from almost white to brown, but they turn rusty red after feeding. The common bedbug doesn't grow much longer than 0.2 inches (0.5 centimeters) and can be seen by the naked eye to the astute observer.  Bedbugs get their name because they like to hide in bedding and mattresses.

Feeding Habits

These nocturnal creatures can hide in beds, floors, furniture, wood, and paper trash during the day. We humans usually become their dinner during the night, with peak biting activity just before dawn.They can obtain their meal in as little as three minutes, after which they are engorged and drop off the host, then crawl into a hiding place to digest their meal. Bedbugs can live for 10 months, and can go weeks without feeding.

Signs and Symptoms of Bedbug Bites

Amazingly, these sneaky little bloodsuckers dine on you without waking you. You don't feel their stealthy bite because they inject a numbing agent into your body, along with an anticoagulant to keep your blood flowing as they suck. The first sign of bedbugs may be itchy, red bites on the skin, usually on the arms or shoulders. Bedbugs tend to leave straight rows of bites.

Treating Bites

Bedbug bites do not usually require treatment. If a secondary infection occurs (usually from scratching), apply a local antiseptic lotion or antibiotic cream or ointment. Creams with corticosteroids and oral antihistamines may be advised in the presence of allergic reaction or larger skin reactions. In these more severe cases, you may need to see your doctor.

Do Bedbugs Transmit Diseases?

Bedbugs are more of a nuisance than a health hazard. In a recent study, researchers reviewed 53 recent studies on bedbugs and their health and medical effects. The results showed that although bedbugs have been blamed for the spread of up to 40 different human diseases, there is little evidence to suggest they are carriers of human disease.

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