Injury Bed Bug Division
Detection
The bite is painless. The salivary fluid injected by Bedbugs typically causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, although individuals can differ in their sensitivity. A small, hard, swollen, white welt may develop at the site of each bite. This is accompanied by severe itching that lasts for several hours to days. Scratching may cause the welts to become infected. The amount of blood loss due to Bedbug feeding typically does not adversely affect the host.
Rows of three or so welts on exposed skin are characteristic signs of Bedbugs. Welts do not have a red spot in the center such as is characteristic of flea bites.
Some individuals respond to Bedbug infestations with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Bedbugs are not known to transmit disease.
Other Information
- » Fox News, 15 January 2007: "Lawyer Sues London Hotel, Claims Bedbugs Attacked Him, Wife"
- » Pest Control Magazine, 1 January 2007: "Are Bedbug Dogs Up to Snuff?"
- » Bed Bugs and Blood-Sucking Conenose
- » University of Kentucky EntFacts Information Sheet on bedbugs
- » Shawn E. Brooks, University of Florida - Bed Bug Summary
