bedbugs
bed bugs
introduction
bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are a small (1-7mm), slim, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep and are a global issue, particularly in tourist accommodation rooms, and whilst annoying, fortunately, are not known to transmit disease although people can have allergic reactions
they can survive several months without a blood meal
their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found
they tend to live within 3m of where people sleep and hide in daytime in mattress seams, behind wallpaper, etc
they can travel by hiding in suitcases, folded clothes, etc
when they bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten
evidence of infestation
presence of exoskeletons after molting
bed bugs in mattress seams and sheets
rusty–colored blood spots on mattress due to their blood-filled fecal material
sweet musty odour
clinical features
bite marks on any part of the body including even face while sleeping
bite marks take one to several days and even up to 14 days to manifest
bite marks are slightly swollen and red are usually itchy
some people do not develop symptoms from bites
Rx
prevention
look for signs of infestation before sleeping in a lodging
if detected, inform the landlord so they can attempt eradication with insecticides
bedbugs.txt · Last modified: 2016/08/20 14:18 (external edit)