How to Identify Bed Bug Bites
This is fairly hard to do and even doctors may sometimes mistake the bites to come from mosquitoes. There is usually a pattern for bed bug bites, some show only one bite spread out, and others show a couple appearing in a row. The time when the bites occur can also help you identify if bed bugs are the cause of your rash. Reaction times for every individual may vary, some will show rashes after a couple of hours and some will take days. Many people confuse bed bug with mosquito bites. If you suspect that you do have bed bugs, check your bed, couch, and other furniture. Make sure to check your beddings, your bed, and all seams. The most common things to look for will be blood spots, either from you or the bed bug being squashed, empty bed bug skins, carcasses or feces. If any of these is present on your bed, call your exterminator immediately or treat the bed bugs yourself.
Look for Over-the-Counter Bed Bug Bite Medication
Anti-itch over-the-counter creams that have cortisone or hydrocortisone will do the trick to relieve you of the itch and get rid of the rash. Calamine is also good for treating the rash and helps your skin heal. An antihistamine will help relieve the swelling and a topical anesthetic or ibuprofen can help you get rid of the pain if there is any. If you are allergic to any medication, make sure to consult with your physician first to make sure the medicine you take will not give you more problems later on.
Try Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites
For those who are looking for how to treat bed bugs or prefer home remedies for their bites, there are things that could help you deal with the itch from bed bugs. Baking soda water and soda paste can be applied to the rash. Let it dry and rinse it off with warm water after. Lemon juice or witch hazel can also be applied to the rash as natural astringents that will aid in minimizing the itch and make the rash dry. Aloe Vera gel can be used for its anti-fungal and antibiotic properties. White vinegar can greatly reduce the bites but if your whole body has been infested with the bites, soak yourself in a warm bath that has peppermint oil, baking soda, Alka-Seltzer, or powdered oatmeal.
Bed bugs are annoying and usually, it is often too late when people notice that their beds are full of them. To avoid bed bug infestation, make sure you keep your bed clean and clear from moisture and food particles. Have it checked by a pest control technician on a regular basis and do what you can to save yourself from the trouble of having to buy a new bed.
Do you need help with bed bug eradication in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland? My Pest Pros can help. Call us at 866-415-7577 or schedule an inspection.