Are the Bed Bugs Infectious?
Bedbugs are parasites (insects) suck human blood to survive. These small and brownish-colored live in cracks of furniture, beds. They can also be found in suitcases and other similar items. Their highest concentration is usually within approximately 8 feet of a sleeping place. They become active at night and before dawn and find blood for meal source; they bite the exposed skin like the arms, neck or the face. The bite has no pain, but multiple bites on the same area look like rashes and these are itchy. Bedbugs typically do not spread other diseases, but a few investigators say that bedbugs rarely can be vectors for these diseases, hepatitis B and/or Chagas. If your house is infected gravely by these insects, you must call a bed bug exterminator.
Are They Infectious?
Bedbugs are not infectious as they live on individuals and are transmitted from individual to individual. Bedbugs use people for a blood meal, after which they leave the person. It seems as though bedbugs can be contagious since their living place is the clothing, furniture of some people. These items may be the house of bedbugs waiting to find next warm body for a meal.
While you don't "catch" other people's bed bugs technically, they are easy to pick up, particularly at highly trafficked locations. It is important to protect yourself in any way you can in the places with high rate of guests to stay overnight like hotels, airports or hospitals. Bed bugs travel on clothes and bags so be sure to check your belongings and give yourself and your luggage a good time before returning home. Plus, they mate and lay eggs at such a fast rate that it doesn't take long for homeowners to find themselves fighting a bed bug infestation.
Contagious or not, bed bugs can travel fairly quickly from house to house, especially in shared living spaces such as apartment complexes and dormitories. It can be easy to transport them, as you leave your backpack, jacket, or other items in an infested location and bring it back to your home. They spread at such a rapid rate that some people may assume bed bugs are highly contagious, so it's no surprise.
Reducing Bed Bug Risks
Be careful when bringing home second hand furniture. The parasites can hide easily between the sofas and even in drawer joints.
A periodic inspection of your bed and bedding. Familiarize yourself with the signs of bed bugs and stay on alert to make sure you haven't caught any visitors’ surprise.
Clean the room and reduce its clutter. The more places bed bugs have to hide, the more likely they are to make up at home and become harder to spot.
Be diligent on your journeys. Keep personal items away from the bed and floor when you are in a hotel. Use an empty rack to store your items in place of the bathroom.
Contact bed bug exterminator in OKC or Tulsa if the home is affected by bed bugs. You can call Mother Nature Pest and Lawn for help.