What illnesses can bed bugs cause?

Bed bugs are one of the few household pests that cause minimal damage:

  • They don’t cause structural damage.
  • They don’t spread dangerous infections.
  • They’re little enough to go unnoticed by the rest of the family.

Even though they aren’t as tricky as other pests, they can impair one’s health, lifestyle, and home furnishings. And, if left unchecked, it can have a significant negative impact on a person’s health over time. An Austin, TX pest control provider can help you get rid of these pests. The following are four health hazards associated with bed bugs. 

Bite-induced allergic response

One of the most significant health dangers of bed bug infestation is an allergic reaction to bed insect bites. Because bed bugs bite to feed on the blood of their hosts, some people may have a strong allergic reaction, resulting in life-threatening conditions, according to Austin, TX, pest control providers.

People susceptible to insect bites and stings may have anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction characterized by wheezing, chest tightness, swollen or itching lips or tongue, and throat constriction. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition that needs prompt medical intervention.

Scratches can cause infection

Bed bug bites can be highly irritating, prompting a strong desire to scratch until the sensation subsides. Because bed bugs bite us in the middle of the night while we’re sleeping, we unknowingly scratch them, resulting in flesh lesions the following day.

Minor open wounds from scratching may not seem serious, but germs and bacteria can enter the skin and cause illness if left untreated. Bacterial skin infection symptoms include expanding redness surrounding the lesion, increasing swelling, and painful pimples that are warm to the touch. Cellulitis, impetigo, and boils are all frequent skin illnesses.

The bugs can cause stress

Because of the rapid proliferation of bed bugs throughout the home, frequent damage to bedsheets and curtains, and continual biting on the body, living in a bedbug-infested home can be highly stressful and distressing. Extended amounts of time spent in a stressful atmosphere can cause a lot of emotional tension, leading to physical concerns.

Stress-induced emotional tension may lead to destructive behaviors like drinking and smoking, affecting our immune system and its capacity to fight against antigens, leaving us more susceptible to illnesses. Stress may impact our digestive tract and raise our heart rate and blood pressure, and all of these can increase the chance of contracting dangerous infections.

To conclude

A bed bug bite is not as dangerous as you think, and it is curable. However, it is a good idea to get pest control treatment as prevention is better than cure. 

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