Are Bed Bugs In Memphis Dangerous?
9/10/2021
Bed bugs have been around for a long time and have been living inside homes for as long as homes have been a thing. These invasive insects are known for their stealthy nature and the way they feed on sleeping humans. One question we are regularly asked about these pests is, are they dangerous? This is not an easy question to answer, so to do so, we will be breaking down some things for you today. Here is everything you need to know about bed bugs, including what dangers they bring into Memphis homes.
Do Bed Bugs Bite?
Bed bugs live off of blood. They get this blood by injecting a small amount of their saliva beneath a host’s skin. This saliva acts as a numbing agent which then allows bed bugs to draw blood, undetected. Once a bed bug is done feeding, it will detach its mouthparts and crawl away from the sleeping area. Occasionally, blood will drip out onto bed coverings as these pests move away. Use these bloodstains as a sign that bed bugs might be around.
Can Bed Bugs Carry Disease?
Most blood-feeding pests are dangerous because of the blood-borne diseases they carry. Mosquitoes, as an example, are the most dangerous creatures on the planet because of the way they spread malaria and other diseases. The question is, do bed bugs pose the same threat. No, they do not. The only disease that bed bugs are currently capable of spreading is called Chagas disease, a sickness that affects both animals and people. Average symptoms of this disease include a rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, enlarged glands, and swelling. More severe symptoms may also occur and include irregular heartbeat, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing. If this is starting to freak you out, don’t worry. Chagas disease is not common in the United States. Outbreaks do occur, but not frequently. You are more likely to contract this disease if you travel south of our border to areas like Mexica and South America.
Although bed bugs do not pose many life-threatening risks, they do cause some other problems. As infestations grow inside homes, people afflicted with bed bug bites may start to notice problems sleeping and issues with anemia. If you don’t know, anemia is a condition that causes fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, dizziness, chest pain, cold hands/feet, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat. Thankfully, anemia is easy to treat and very rarely fatal.
How To Identify A Bed Bug Infestation
Now that you know what dangers bed bugs pose, let’s talk about some ways to identify these pests. Here are just a few signs to keep your eyes out for at home and when traveling.
- Bloodstains around sleeping areas
- Reddish black fecal droppings around bedrooms
- Shed skins near cracks and crevices
- Small cream-white eggs inside of cracks and crevices
- A pungent musty odor in the air
- Live reddish-brown, ¼ to 3/16” long, oval-shaped bed bugs
What To Do If Your Home Has Bed Bugs
Having bed bugs around is a quick way to lose valuable sleep. If you suspect your home has a problem with these pests, do not hesitate to contact a pest control professional. Whom can you trust with your home’s bed bug control needs? Look no further than Dart Pest, Lawn & Wildlife. We have been in the pest control business for over 45 years and have thousands of happy clients who are proud to call us any time they need assistance. Call us today to schedule your living areas for a bed bug inspection and find your way to a pest-free Memphis home.
Tags: bed bugs | bed bug control | bed bug dangers
