The Dangers Bed Bugs Bring Into Your Orlando Home

No one likes to get bitten by bugs, especially in the middle of the night. There is something disturbing about the idea of bugs crawling on us while we sleep. The very idea of this can be so disturbing for some that it impacts their sleep when they discover bed bugs. We don't know where you stand, or how disturbed you would be to find bed bugs in your home, but it is important to recognize that, for some, a bed bug infestation can lead to sleep deprivation. This is the first, and possibly the least, severe danger bed bugs can present when they get into your Orlando home. Let's take a look at a few more.

bed bug on rug

Bed Bug Bites

Let's talk about the bites bed bugs can leave on your skin. While it is certainly disturbing to wake up with lots of bites, how dangerous are those bites? There are a few things to consider.

You may experience minor bites. When bed bugs first bite, the wounds can be nothing more than a small red dot on your skin. These minor bites are why bed bugs can grow an infestation in a home for months before they're dealt with.
You may experience itchy bites. As you are exposed to bed bugs, over time, the bites can worsen. What was once small red dots can start to become itchy, red welts. This is because adult bed bugs start biting you. And also because the allergic reaction to the anticoagulant in bed bug saliva often worsens over time.
You may experience painful welts. If you are highly allergic to bed bug anticoagulant, bite wounds can turn into painful welts.
You may experience several bites all at once. When bed bugs feed, several will feed together in one location, with each bed bug feeding multiple times. This can result in dozens of bites when you wake up in the morning.
You may get open wounds. If you scratch at bug bites, open wounds can develop. This can lead to an infection.

Secondary Concerns Regarding Bed Bug Bites

While it can be bad to get lots of itchy or painful welts on your skin, there are greater concerns to consider. Here are some facts you should be aware of.

The good news:

Bed bugs don't have venom.
Bed bugs don't spread harmful bacteria from your trash or other dirty places.
Bed bugs prefer human blood and rarely feed on animals, like a rat or a mouse. This reduces their chances of picking up harmful diseases.
Most of the bed bugs that feed on you will have fed on no one but you, or someone else in your home.

The bad news:

Ongoing bites can lead to anemia. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Over time you may experience fatigue, weakness, brittle nails, inflammation, pale skin, and organ issues. You could experience headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pains, tachycardia, and a shortness of breath. Speak to a physician if you do.
If bed bugs are exposed to a guest in your home, or someone who lives in your home and who has contracted Chagas disease, you could be at risk. Studies have shown that bed bugs are able to spread this disease. Fortunately, the risk is considerably low.

Social Impact

When bed bugs get into your home, it can make friends and family members want to avoid coming over. But the worst impact is often felt by kids. It is tough being a kid. It is even tougher being a kid who has bed bugs at home. It is best to deal with bed bugs quickly and decisively to repair any damage. Let your kids know that bed bugs can infest any home, no matter how clean. Bed bugs can come from many places, and it is very difficult to prevent them from infesting a home. And make sure you kids communicate to others that you're not going to have bed bugs for long. You're taking the correct steps to get rid of all the bugs.