Don’t let the bed bugs bite

It is a widely propagated myth that bed bug infestations only occur in dodgy motels or due to a lack of hygiene and cleanliness. Bed bugs can be brought into a home in a number of ways, and once they have settled in, they can be difficult to get rid of.

What are bed bugs?

According to Health Canada, bed bugs have an oval broad, flat body and a short, broad head. Shaped similar to an apple seed, unfed adults are around 6 to 10 mm long, brown and wingless. After feeding, they swell slightly in size and darken to a blood-red colour. The nymphs are shaped like the adults, but are yellow-white in colour.

Their eggs are white, about 1 mm long (1/25 inch), and are almost impossible to see on most surfaces.

Bed bugs favor a warmer environment of about 21 to 28 degrees Celsius to reproduce, which is why homes can be infested at any time of the year. They can live several weeks up to roughly a year and a half without feeding.

The female bed bug lays at least 200 eggs in her lifetime, at a rate of about two or four per day. The eggs have a sticky coating and are usually deposited in cracks and crevices, behind woodwork and similar hidden locations.

Can bed bugs harm me and my family?

Bed bugs do not pose a major health risk and there are no known cases of infectious disease transmitted by bed bugs. Most people are not aware that they have been bitten, as the bites usually occur during sleep. Some people, however, are more sensitive to the bite and may have a localized reaction. If you note small raised red swelling lesions on your children, consult your family physician before making any assumptions about the cause. Avoid self-diagnosing a case of bed bugs, as your doctor is best equipped to tell the cause of any reaction.

How do bed bugs get into my home?

Bed bugs are often carried into a home on objects such as furniture and clothing. They can also travel from apartment to apartment along pipes, electrical wiring and other openings. To prevent future bed bug infestations, be cautious about taking in second-hand furniture, bedding, mattresses or beds. Inspect and clean second-hand items before bringing them home. When you travel, inspect the mattress and headboard in the hotel room, do not bring your pillow from home, and do not put your suitcase on the bed.

How do I treat bed bug bites if it is confirmed that I am having a reaction to them?

Most bed bug bites go away by themselves and don't need treatment. Keep the skin clean and try not to scratch. If the bites are very itchy, your doctor may prescribe cream or antihistamines to relieve the itchiness. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for any secondary bacterial skin infection.

Health Canada recommends treating other household items to get rid of the infestation and prevent it from spreading to others. Carefully examine anything and everything that is in the room where the infestation has been noted. Upholstered chairs and sofas can also harbor bed bugs and should be treated with careful vacuuming and laundering of all possible parts (cushions, slipcovers, skirts, etc.). Dr. Caroline Quach, Director of the Infectious Disease Clinic at the Montreal Children’s Hospital also advises that when items cannot be laundered, placing them in a tight plastic bag in the freezer for 72 hours can also successfully prevent further bed bug spread.

Myths about bed bugs:

Bed bugs indicate a lack of cleanliness

False.Long considered eradicated in most metropolitan areas, bed bugs are making a comeback. People now travel more than ever before, and bed bugs are hitching rides on clothing and luggage. They can now be found everywhere there is a high turnover of people, from homeless shelters to five-star hotels. They can also be accidentally transported around the house on objects.

Bed bugs are too small to see

False. Bed bugs can be easily seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs look similar to an apple seed in size and appearance, although they may be difficult to find.

Bed Bugs cause disease

False. Bed bugs are not considered a health hazard, and do not transmit disease. Bed bug bites can cause allergic reaction in some people similar to a mosquito bite. Some people do not even know they have been bitten.

Walking into a room that has bed bugs means you will get bed bugs

False. Bed bugs do not jump. They spend 90% of their time hiding and are usually active at night. Bed bugs avoid light and do not like to be disturbed.

Don’t panic

If you or someone you know is dealing with a case of bed bugs, stay calm.Educate yourself about prevention methods and speak to your doctor. Unfortunately, bed bugs carry a stigma that can cause a great deal of anxiety, stress, and can even lead to insomnia in some cases. Know what you are dealing with before assuming that bed bugs are present in your home.

For more information about bed bugs and how to deal with an infestation, please consult this document from the Montreal Department of Public Health. [1]