Bed Bugs - What are the Dangers?
The old adage of, Don't let the bed bugs bite seems like a no-brainer to us. Sure,bed bugs are pretty creepy to think about, but bed bugs go beyond a funny phrase and a nightmarish feeling that something is crawling on you throughout your sleeping hours! While bed bugs are not as dangerous or deadly as other pests like those that spread diseases such as rabies or infectious pathogens, they do still pose some dangers to the people who are experiencing an infestation. Here are a few of the dangers posed by an infestation of bed bugs.
- Misuse of Toxic Chemicals - Some homeowners try to treat the bed bug infestation on their own. While this may seem like a good idea and may seem cost effective, it also means that you are exposing everyone in your home to hazardous and toxic chemicals. In addition, these treatments do not work as well as a professional treatment. Talk to an exterminator before you begin spraying chemicals all over your house!
- Allergic Reactions to Bed Bug Bites - Some people may experience mild or severe allergic reaction to the bites of bed bugs, much like some individual's reaction to bee or hornet stings. Hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) to the bed bug bites in some people may lead to anaphylactic shock which is extremely dangerous and life threatening. One needs to seek an immediate medical attention in such cases.
- Infections - Bed bugs bites are notoriously itchy and if scratched too much can lead to a secondary infection. When a bite is over-scratched one can easily introduce germs into the wound. Since bed bugs usually attack at night, you can scratch yourself spontaneously during your sleep and thus infect the bite site.
- Respiratory Problems- If you or a member of your household suffers from respiratory problems, the presence of bedbugs can worsen these conditions. Bed bugs shed their outer skins, or casings, as they grow. These casings, along with the bed bugs' feces, can dry out and become airborne.
