They are worse than the monsters beneath your bed because these critters not only lurk in the night—they attack while you are sleeping. That’s right; we’re talking about bed bugs. 

Aside from the regular itch you may experience from their bites, you may also face a number of problems, from mild to life-threatening ones.

Here are some of the most common diseases anyone can get from encountering bed bugs.

Itchy Rash

Bed bugs feed on human blood. After feeding, they will inject the victim with their saliva to prevent the blood from clotting. This saliva contains several proteins and enzymes which can cause an itchy rash. 

They are also known to bite children and adults, although their saliva can cause a lot of discomfort to adults. One of the most common signs of bed bug bites is the presence of itchy bumps on the skin. These can last for as long as a week and may also be accompanied by a red rash.

Allergies

A bed bug’s saliva contains proteins, enzymes, and histamines, chemicals that the body naturally produces to fight infections. When the histamines are injected into the blood, they can give off allergic reactions in the body. 

The common allergic reactions vary in severity, but some of them can be life-threatening as well.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to something, and one of the things that can trigger it is bed bug bites. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, so a doctor should treat it immediately. 

Some of the symptoms that may manifest as a result of anaphylaxis are:

• 
  The skin will swell and itch
• The tongue and lips will swell
• The person may have difficulty breathing
• There is a chance of fainting or, worse, death if not treated immediately

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an eye infection. If you have bed bug bites, there is a high chance you will get conjunctivitis. This is because of the histamines present in their saliva.

Chagas Disease

Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is known to be one of the deadliest parasitic diseases that can be transmitted to humans via contact with the feces of an insect, such as the kissing bug and bed bugs.

Urticaria

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common symptom of bed bug bites. They are flat, red, itchy rashes that appear on the skin. While they can be uncomfortable, they are not usually life-threatening.

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to sleep, which bed bug bites can cause. The bugs are known to feed at night. Once you get bitten, you will immediately feel itchy, and if you sleep, you may move around and scratch the itching skin. As a result, you will have a harder time falling back asleep. 

In addition, living with bed bug bites can be pretty stressful, making it more difficult for you to get some rest.

How to Reduce the Risks of Bed Bug Bites

Following these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing a severe illness from bed bugs:

• 
  Vacuum and clean your house
• Always place your clothes in a plastic bag
• Consider buying a bed bug mattress cover or encasement
• If you are going to travel, search for a hotel known to be free of bed bugs
• If bed bugs have bitten you, it will be best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially for children

Contact Professional Bed Bug Exterminators

After you encounter a bed bug bite, you should immediately call the bug exterminators so that they can help you get rid of them. They are professionals who can remove the bed bugs from your house and prevent them from causing trouble to you and your family.

Conclusion

Bed bugs are bloodsucking creatures that can cause several problems, from itchy rashes to potentially fatal diseases. They may be a nuisance, becoming a source of severe discomfort and even life-threatening illnesses for others. As soon as you find signs of bed bugs, you should call bed bug exterminators. That way, you get to protect the whole family from encountering bed bug bites.

Roach Busters offers a range of professional services to eradicate all kinds of pests, including bed bug control in Sydney. Let us take care of the nasty bed bugs so you and your family can sleep safe and sound at night. Contact us today to get started!