Bed bug bites can cause itching, skin irritation and insomnia. Here’s how to spot them and what to do if you think you’re dealing with an infestation.
Red-brown, up to 7mm in size and flat, the pesky insects feed on the blood of people or animals while sleeping.
Due to the fluids of anesthetic and anticoagulant released during the bite, the animal or person being bitten are numb to the sensation — bite marks can take up to two weeks to appear, resembling flea and mosquito bites.
Exposure to bed bugs is common in shared living spaces or can be picked up during travel at places including hotels, shelters, houses, cruise ships, buses, trains and dorm rooms.
Bed bugs have a habit of living only 8 feet away from sleeping areas and have the capability to travel over 100 feet during the night, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Where to check for bed bugs?
How do you know if you have an infestation?
Check for bite marks on exposed body parts like your neck, arms, hands, and face after sleeping. Bed bugs also leave a sweet musty odor, evidence of their exoskeleton shedding and rust-colored blood spots on the mattress and nearby furniture.
The New York State Department of Health recommends an “integrated pest management,” low-risk technique to get the infestation under control at home.
The IPM method includes deep cleaning, decluttering your living space, moving the bed away from the walls, vacuuming daily, washing bedding and drying on high heat for 20 minutes, using mattress covers, sealing cracks around pipes and wires throughout the home.
The CDC says bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but if you are experiencing an allergic reaction, reach out to your health provider. Avoid itching the area and apply an antihistamine to soothe the irritation.
According to the Broome County Health Department website, they don’t provide any services for infestation, it is suggested to contact local code enforcement departments to report the issue.
How to contact your local code department in the Binghamton area
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Spot a bed bug infestation? How to reach your local code department
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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