Treating Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites develop differently on different people.  The bite shows up different based on the person's reaction to the bug's saliva and other chemicals they use to stop the blood from clotting.  Because of this reaction, people may develop large red whelps, or they could look like just a small white bump.  Some people may experience itching, while others may not be bothered with it at all. 

The first step is to contact a certified pest control professional.  The best way to treat bed bug bites is to completely eradicate them from your home.  While there are some treatments you can perform yourself, the most effective, sure-fire way to ride your home is to contact a professional.  This will be expensive, but you won't have to worry about bites anymore. 

For the bites you already have, there is little you can do but wait.  They can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to fully heal.  Most people don't have serious medical concern from them, but those who have severe reactions could run the risk of shock if they are bit too often.  The only real treatment is to use some kind of antihistamine to reduce the itching and avoid having anything like clothing rub against them.  Since they are bites that allowed the the bed bug to take blood out of you, they can start bleeding again if scratched or rubbed.  This can lead to inflammation and infection if you're not careful. 

• Keep the bites clean using an antibacterial soap.
• Use a cream, like calamine lotion, or bug bite cream to help reduce the itching.  
• You can try to use an oral antihistamine, like Benadryl, to help reduce the itching.
• Keep the area dry and try not to expose it to especially dirty areas.
• Do not bandage the bites, unless they start to bleed.

These tips will help treat the bed bug bites you already have.

To keep bed bug bites from coming back, you need to get rid of them once and for all.  While the exterminator is the best route, they are expensive, and not everyone has that kind of money just sitting around.  There aer a few little tips and tricks you can use to help reduce the bed bug population until you can afford an exterminator.  Please note, these will not get rid of your bed bugs.  You will need professional help to do this.

• Clean you bedroom (or any room you sleep in) regularly.  If possible, vacuum daily and wash your sheets and blankets in hot water every few days.  Avoid leaving food, trash, or dirty clothes lying around.  Keeping the room clean will help to pick up some of the bed bugs and reduce the number of day-time hiding places they have.
• When cleaning, try to use a steam cleaner that heats up to at least 120 degrees F, and higher if you can.  This will kill bed bugs and is very similar to the method most exterminators use. 
• Replace your mattress and box spring.  This is the prime home of bed bugs (if you sleep in a bed).  Throwing it out and replacing it after thoroughly cleaning your bed frame with steam will help reduce the number of bites you get at night.  Before you put in your new mattress set, move the bed away from the wall and all other furniture and place the feet of your bed frame in a bowl or large cup filled with mineral spirits, water, or oil.  This will keep them from climbing up from the floor. 
• You can also wrap your mattress and box spring in air tight plastic, and leave it for several days, untouched.  This will kill most of the bed bugs and hatched larva on  the mattress.

These are only temporary fixes, and it is best to contact a pest control expert as soon as possible.

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