How Dangerous is Having Bed Bugs at Home?

Many things are considered to be nuisances, and dealing with bugs is surely on top of that list. However, just as there are things that are mere nuisances, there are just as many that are dangerous. Again, the bugs are surely one. However, the threat they impose on your wellbeing is not immediately felt when they are merely near you or flying by you, even though some people would argue differently. The dangers of bugs are most telling when the malicious creatures have taken residence in your home and you are oblivious to it. This is especially true for bed bugs, the little creatures that think it is a good idea to get into your bed and hide there only to pester you and pose a threat to your health. So, are they really dangerous? If so, to what extent?

What Are Bed Bugs?

Before we get into the details of the harms these pests can do, first, you must understand what they are and how you can possibly detect them. Bed bugs are virtually imperceptible insects that are typically 5-7 mm long and 2-3 mm wide. They have oval bodies that are rusty looking, colored with an awful shade of brown. However, they turn redder after they have fed on your blood. That is right, these 6 legged monsters that have a pair of antennas will relentlessly feed on your blood, which is why you can wake up with red spots covering your body. A way of detecting their presence would be by the odor they emit, which has been described to be excruciatingly similar to decaying books or moldering clothes. 

These little pests can fit themselves in even the smallest of places, and they are not restrained to just your beds. Bed bugs can actually work their way into your electrical devices as well. The bed bug wizards at PestSeek explain that although they usually would not voluntarily crawl inside electronics, this will happen when a severe infestation, which you can learn more about if you read more here, has left them nowhere else to go. There is nothing that attracts them to these small hidden places apart from it being a safe hiding spot.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Well, yes and no. Their mere presence does not threaten you are well being, it just intrudes on your peace of mind. Though, as we all know, bed bugs bite. However, the bite in itself does not put your health in any real danger, but here is where it gets complicated. If you have ever gotten bitten by a bed bug you will realize that you quickly develop an obsessive and aggressive scratching impulse. This is where the “yes, it can be dangerous” comes in. The compulsive scratching can end up grazing your skin and hurting you badly. Also, it can lead to unsolicited skin infections, which can bring forth undesirable harm.

With that said, here are some of the dangers that can be brought by these abhorred little monsters:

1. Infection

As previously mentioned, bed bug bites can be very itchy and invite compulsive scratching. The excessive bite marks can often graze your skin, which will then leave you with small wounds. This wound will be a gateway for bacteria and germs to enter and cause an infection. So, make sure you treat your wounds carefully and appropriately.

2. Allergies

This is where the dangers can escalate and be life-threatening. For people who are allergic to bed bug bites, the situation can get a little out of hand, seeing as how the allergic reaction can be quite severe. These bites can end up leading people who are hypersensitive to insect bites into an anaphylactic shock and this is very dangerous.

3. Sleep Deprivation & Stress

With cases that suffer from a severe bed bug infestation, the numerous bites and endless itching, not to mention the fear of having these bed crawlers lying around, can leave people with very little sleep. This can be dangerous for people’s everyday functionality, while also affecting people’s appetite. It can also lead to heart diseases and the stress will take a heavy toll on that. They will bring a lot of frustration and emotional anxiety.

Bed bugs are quite the wicked little pests. While unleashing their reign of terror, the dangers they impose on your health and wellbeing can deeply destroy your peace, and your health as well. For this reason, you should always make sure that these cunning insects are not hiding around, and should they be, invite in your friend the ‘pesticide’ to dispose of them. Remember, they can be anywhere, even in your electronic devices.