Can I Get Sick From Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are known as nasty creatures. These pests have a bad reputation, and as such, they can give businesses a bad reputation as well. Bed bugs can be found in all 50 states in all sorts of environments. They can even be found in five-star hotels, so as you can imagine, these small pests cause a lot of anxiety and discomfort.

Some pests can cause diseases and illness. Is this the case for bed bugs? Fortunately, no. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. They are not known to carry or spread any infectious agents that can cause illness. However, their bites can cause a range of reactions in different people, from no reaction at all to severe allergic reactions. They can also cause various physical and emotional effects.

So if you get bitten by a bed bug, the good news is that you likely won’t get sick or die. However, everyone reacts differently, and some people can experience mild to severe reactions. Here are some issues you may have to deal with.

Itchiness

One of the most common reactions to bed bug bites is itchiness. The bites are often grouped together in a line or cluster and can be very itchy. Scratching the bites can lead to skin infections, which can cause further complications.

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, a bed bug bite can cause a severe allergic reaction. Some people may experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body. It can cause swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Skin Problems

Some people develop blisters or hives from bed bug bites, typically because they are experiencing an allergic reaction. Plus, bed bug bites can cause a large rash all over a certain part of the body, which can be concerning. In addition, some people scratch so hard that they develop infections such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis. Signs of an infection include redness, swelling, pus, and pain. 

Stress

While bed bugs themselves may not cause illness, the presence of an infestation can cause significant stress and anxiety. The thought of these small insects living in your bed and feeding on your blood can be unsettling and can lead to excess stress. Adding to the stress is the fact that bed bugs can be difficult to eradicate. They are resilient and can survive for long periods of time without feeding. Getting rid of bed bugs can be time-consuming and expensive, which can add to the stress.

Insomnia

Bed bugs can keep you awake all night, causing sleep deprivation as well as physical and mental exhaustion. You may feel completely drained out and worthless. For some people, having bed bugs was the worst experience of their lives, as the lack of sleep caused them to experience irritability, concentration, depression, and loss of appetite.

Weakened Immune System

Insomnia and stress can cause the body’s immune system to weaken. This can make a person more likely to develop illnesses. 

Social Isolation

If your place is infested with bed bugs, you become socially isolated. People are afraid to come over or send their kids to your place to play with your kids because they fear bed bugs.  You may also stop going to other people’s homes because you feel guilty about the possibility of inadvertently contaminating their homes with bed bugs. This can lead to social isolation, which can be a frustrating way to live your life.

Avoid These Risks

As you can see, bed bugs can take a toll on your physical and mental health, even if they don’t directly cause a person to suffer from disease. You shouldn’t have to deal with these health risks on a regular basis. If you notice signs of a bed bug infestation, seek professional pest services right away. It is impossible to eradicate these pests on your own. Seek peace of mind by scheduling a free inspection from The PEST Group today.

Contact The PEST Group Today

Bed bugs are not as dangerous as some pests and do not spread diseases, but they can still be annoying and cause alarm.
Get rid of bed bugs for good with help from The PEST Group. We serve California, Hawaii, and Florida. Trust our experts to remove pests from your home or business quickly and effectively. Call 888-801-3220 to schedule a free inspection.