Waking up to find random red welts on your skin is frustrating and frightening. Bed bug bites can pop up overnight, and it can be easy to mistake them for spots, rashes, or other forms of skin irritation, leaving you uncertain about what is at the root of your discomfort. These minuscule parasites suck human blood during the night, leaving you covered in welts so itchy they can last for days.

Bedbug infestations impact millions of residences globally, and infestations have risen by more than 500% over the past few years. There is little or no risk associated with bedbug bites. However, the bites can be very itchy and irritating and can disrupt your sleep. 

The longer you leave the issue unchecked, the harder it is to manage the infestation. Discover more details within our guide and understand what you can do in such situations. 

Signs That You Got Bitten By a Bed Bug

• Red, itchy welts in clusters or lines on exposed areas of the skin
• Sweet but slightly mildew smell in your bedroom, especially close to your bed
• Dark or rusty spots
• Red spots of itchy bed bug bites
• Small blood smears on pillowcases and bedding after sleeping

Can You Treat Bed Bug Bites at Home?

It is possible to cure bed bug bites at home through some easy and simple home remedies. Wash the site with lukewarm water and soap to avoid getting an infection. If the hives or rash are irritating or itchy, you can apply a cool compress or ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes. This will reduce inflammation and help relieve the itch!

This aids in controlling allergic reactions and itching via over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl. To avoid the second bacterial infection and scarring, do not scratch at the bites.

Bed bug bites generally cannot be medically differentiated, but resolve on their own within a week or two. However, if you do not have any signs of infection, severe allergic reactions, or a medical condition, such as bacterial infection, the bites should heal after a few days of home treatment.

How Can You Prevent Bed Bugs?

• Inspect Before You Sleep

Inspect hotel rooms and accommodations before moving in. Check the seams and folds of the mattress, the headboard, and behind upholstered furniture; look for dark spots, blood stains, or live bugs. Pull back the sheets and examine the cracks and edges of the mattress. 

• Protect Your Home

When you return from trips, launder and dry all clothing and fabric items at high heat. Vacuum your suitcase completely before you take your bags into your house. Keep suitcases in airtight plastic bags or outside bedrooms. Vacuum your mattress, box spring, and any bed framing every couple of weeks to keep bloodsuckers at bay.

• Create Barriers

Cover mattresses and box springs to trap and kill bed bugs. Keep your sleep space clutter-free. Place your bed away from the walls and make sure the bedding is not touching the floor. You may even consider using interceptor traps under bed legs, which will trap bed bugs en route to bed.

• Regular Monitoring

Check your bed every month to see if there is any bed bug activity. Search for the symptoms mentioned earlier: black spots, blood stains, sweet smells. Treat suspect bites on their own interest basis and do not wait for confirmation of bites. The earlier it’s caught, the easier and less expensive it is to treat.

Fight Bed Bug Infestations Today!

Bed bug bites are more than a minor inconvenience. They indicate a serious pest issue that needs to be addressed right away. Home remedies relieve the bites, but do nothing to prevent the problem at its source.

Professional intervention is the only way to control bed bugs. Professional pest control pros have tools and treatments that cannot be purchased in a store. They will be able to determine how severely your property is infested and develop a plan to target the problem altogether.

Do not give in to bed bugs and lose peace of mind. Call an expert pest controller as soon as you realize you have bed bugs. Swift action will ultimately save you time, money, and endless sleepless nights.