Bedbugs are pretty much universally reviled. But a public health entomologist explains how, while potentially traumatizing to deal with, they aren’t likely to make you sick.
Bedbugs are back with a vengeance. After an absence of around 70 years, thanks to effective pesticides such as DDT, they’ve been popping up in fancy hotels, spas, department stores, subway trains, movie theaters – and, of course, people’s homes.
Know thy bedbug enemy The common bedbug, Cimex lectularius, has been a parasite of humans for thousands of years. Historically, these tiny bloodsuckers were common in human dwellings worldwide, giving the old saying “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite” real meaning.
Their principal medical impacts are related to nuisance biting and the associated itching and inflammation. The most common bite reactions are itchy red spots at feeding sites that usually go away in a week or so. Some people have complex skin reactions, including hives and blisters, or allergic responses.Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | Omny Studio The marks from bedbug bites can persist on human skin for several days.
One study of people exposed to bedbugs found about half reported sleep difficulties and social isolation associated with the infestation. How to protect yourself from bedbugsNot every hotel room has bedbugs, but some do. Simple precautions can help protect you and your belongings from infestation.
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