We've all heard the saying 'Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite' before. But what are bed bugs and why should we make sure they don't bite? How do you even get bed bugs?
In this post, we'll be looking at what bed bugs actually are, how to prevent them and how to get rid of bed bugs for good, so you can have a restful sleep that is healthy!
What do bed bugs look like?
Firstly, what do bed bugs look like? Bed bugs are small, brownish-red wingless insects, with oval-shaped bodies. Each one is about the size of an apple seed. Like tiny vampires, they feed on human or animal blood. This results in bites that can be incredibly itchy and, in rare cases, cause an allergic reaction.
Bed bug infestations, as the name suggests, typically occur where people sleep, with the bed bugs awaiting their next feed. During the day, they hide away in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards or in the cracks and crevices of walls, floors and furniture. Basically, bed bugs can hide anywhere!
What do bed bug bites look like?
Wondering how to tell if you've been bitten by a bed bug? Bed bug bites are raised red spots that are often grouped together or in a line. On darker skin tones, they may also appear purple and be harder to see. Bed bugs often feed at night time, leaving a cluster of these marks in their wake, which commonly appear on exposed areas of skin like the arms, neck and face. So, if you're wondering how to check for bed bugs, bite marks like these are a good sign bed bugs are infesting your bed or bedding.
Other early signs that these critters are present in your bedroom are spots of blood or small brown spots on your bedding or bedroom furniture, which can either be a result of the bites or from squashing an unfortunate bed bug.
How to treat bed bug bites
You should normally find that bed bug bites clear up by themselves within approximately a week, but there are also some steps that you can take yourself to treat bed bug bites. Try placing a clean, cool, damp cloth on the bites to reduce the itching and swelling, and generally make sure to keep the affected area clean.
As itchy as they can sometimes be, it's important that you don't scratch the bites, as doing this can lead to infections. If the itching is really bad, a pharmacist might recommend antihistamines or a mild steroid cream to help alleviate it.
What causes bed bugs and how do you prevent them?
Before we look at how to prevent bed bugs, let's look at what causes them.
A common misconception is that bed bug infestations are the result of poor hygiene or dirty living conditions, but this is simply untrue. A bed bug infestation could happen even in the cleanest of bedrooms, including in hotels. Instead, the real issue comes from furniture or people that have previously been infested. These pesky parasites can attach themselves to anything that provides them with a sense of warmth, so anyone can get or pass on bed bugs.
In order to prevent bed bugs, you can start by decluttering your bedroom. Clutter can act as a perfect hiding place, with cardboard and loose wallpaper being some of the critters' favourite hot spots. So, be sure to remove any cardboard boxes you have lying around and opt for a more elegant storage solution. We have a wonderful range of affordable bedside tables that could do just the trick!
If you do notice signs of infestation, be sure to take action immediately. With the potential to live up to a year without a blood meal, knowing how to stop bed bugs from spreading is critical in preventing a whole house infestation. Essential oils such as tea tree, thyme, peppermint and lavender could be useful in repelling the creatures. However, if you're wondering how to get rid of bed bugs for good, read on!
How to get rid of bed bugs
If you already have an infestation, don't panic! Here are a few methods to kill bed bugs. Your first step should be to wash infested bedding and clothing on a hot rinse, (ideally 60°C) or tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can put your affected clothing and bedding into a plastic bag and place it in your freezer for about four days. Ensure to thoroughly vacuum surrounding areas in case any bed bugs are playing hide and seek.
If all else fails, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Bed bugs can be exceptionally hardy creatures, and pest control services have access to products and treatments that you won't. Try contacting your local council or pest control service and put an end to questioning how to get rid of bed bugs permanently!
How can Happy Beds help get rid of bed bugs?
If you're looking for a super comfy mattress that just so happens to also keep bed bugs at bay, why not try our Anti Bed Bug Mattress? Made from a combination of reflex and latex foams for supreme protection against any tiny unwelcome guests, this mattress is an incredibly comfortable and practical solution.
In fact, memory foam mattresses are great in general thanks to their dense structure which inhibits dust mites - which bed bugs love! Take a look at our range and rid yourselves of bed bugs for the best possible sleep. Not sure which mattress will suit you best? Take a look at our mattress buying guide for more information, and we also have a kids mattress buying guide if you're looking for your child!
Have you ever experienced bed bugs before? How did you manage to get rid of them? We'd love to hear from you, so why not get in touch with us on our social media on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram?
