There is a growing concern in the Monterey Bay Area as bed bug infestations become far more common than any of us would like.
If you know someone who is dealing with a bed bug infestation right now, you may find yourself asking questions.
How dangerous are bed bugs? Are the horror stories true? Are these insects extremely difficult to get rid of?
Let’s take a moment to look at a few things every Monterey Bay resident should know about bed bugs.
1. Bed Bugs Aren’t Dangerous
There are many pests that can spread viruses that are deadly. There are many pests that can sting you and inject venom that can be fatal if not treated. There are many pests that spread harmful diseases, some of which can have lifelong implications. Bed bugs don’t present any of these dangers. While it is certainly unpleasant to have bed bugs feed on your blood while you’re sleeping, you can take some comfort in knowing that there is currently no evidence that bed bugs transmit diseases to people.
2. Bed Bugs Aren’t Harmless
If bed bugs find their way into your Monterey Bay Area home, they will bite you. It’s what they do. And when they bite you, there are a few issues that can arise. It is important to be aware of them.
Initial bites from immature nymphs can be slight, but they may be itchy. When adult bed bugs start to bite, these can be larger welts that itch more and may even be painful. When bed bug wounds are scratched, open wounds can develop. If these open wounds become infected, there could be medical issues.
If you have a fear of bed bugs, it can lead to sleeplessness. Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to medical issues such as depression, anxiety, reduction in cognitive function, reduction in motor skill, etc. These can be a danger, especially if you get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
If insects are allowed to feed on your blood repeatedly, it can lead to a condition called anemia. The list of symptoms associated with anemia is quite long and some symptoms are severe.
3. Bed Bugs Can Be A Danger To Your Social Life
It is difficult to organize a birthday party when you have bed bugs in your home. Most parents are going to err on the side of caution if they learn that you have a bed bug infestation. This is just the beginning of your social woes. You’ll have a hard time organizing graduation parties, football parties, game night, slumber parties, holiday celebrations, reunions, and all of the many gatherings you may desire to have.
Bed bugs can also impact your kids in other ways. Their friends may avoid them, and they may be treated poorly at school when other students find out that they have bed bugs in their home. There is still a stigma attached to bed bugs. Many people still think these insects only live in the homes of dirty people. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Bed bugs don’t decide where they live. They are transported from location to location passively. If they end up in a nice clean home, they have to make the best of it. They’re not going to turn their noses up and go outside. These insects live almost exclusively inside man-made structures. But, while this is the reality, it is hard to convince some people.
How To Address The Dangers Of Bed Bugs
It is important to take steps to educate yourself in bed bug prevention. You and you kids should know the warning signs of a bed bug infestation and how to prevent bed bugs from coming home.
Do an inspection for black feces, shed skins, brown or black spots on fabrics, and white eggs. These are likely to be found in recesses, creases, gaps, and compressed spaces.
Learn to identify bed bugs. Newly hatched nymphs are pale and translucent. Adults are rusty brown.
Protect laundry items by keeping them in a sealed plastic bag.
When you return home from staying somewhere, put all your laundry through a 30-minute dryer cycle.
If you ever find a bed bug infestation in your Monterey Bay Area home, respond as quickly as possible and contact Smith’s Pest Management for bed bug services. These insects can be incredibly difficult to exterminate. We use field-tested strategies to make sure every bug bug is a dead bug. Reach out to us today for assistance.
Kourtney B. - Los Gatos, CA
My chicken coop was put up five years ago. I went out one night and almost had a heart attack because there was probably 100 rats in with the chickens. I called Smith’s and the problem was solved quickly. No more rats!
