There are several reasons you might be putting off dealing with a bed bug issue in your home, from a busy life to potential concerns about having third parties inside your house. We’re here, however, to tell you that there are major risks in prolonging a bed bug infestation — and that prompt action against these invaders should be a top priority.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re happy to offer numerous bed bug management services, including full prevention and extermination solutions if you’re dealing with these annoying, bite-heavy pests. We’ll also provide you with information on why it’s so important to handle bed bugs immediately if you notice even one or two in any common area of your home — the risks you take by ignoring them are significant, and could end up costing you not only money, but also time, hassle and even comfort. Here are some of these risks and why they should be avoided however possible.
One Bed Bug Can Quickly Cause an Infestation
You may not think the presence of a single bed bug is much of an issue, but you might be very wrong. If this single bug is a female adult, in particular, it can lay upwards of five eggs per day — potentially resulting in hundreds in about a month’s time, if not treated.
It is important to address the issue when you first see one or two bugs — because it spreads quickly, and also because full extermination might not be possible once the presence is far more advanced, especially if your home has been exposed to them for an extended period of time. One adult female will quickly multiply into hundreds of insects if left uncontrolled, leading to massive infestation issues.
Bites Are Painful and Creepy
Bed bugs are also known for their biting, which can lead to a number of itchy, red welts that are very visible and embarrassing. Additionally, the psychological side effects of being exposed to bed bugs should not be discounted — you might feel jumpy any time you notice something moving in your home, even if it’s just an insect on the wall you’re trying to ignore.
Many people’s skin crawls at the thought of bed bugs crawling on them — and this feeling is increased exponentially if you know you’re dealing with an infestation. If your friends, colleagues or family members notice the bites on your body, they’ll likely question where they came from at some point, which can also be uncomfortable.
Bites and Allergies
On top of the simple pain and fear of bites, some people also are allergic to the chemicals that bed bugs emit to get the blood they need. If you are allergic, bite marks on your skin can cause painful, dangerous reactions that require medical attention — and even if you’re not allergic to these chemicals, the bites could still pose a problem in terms of infestation (see above).
In some people, allergic reactions to bed bug bites are extremely severe, leading to rashes and things of this nature. In some cases, these bites can also leave behind painful scars that look very bad on the skin — as well as possible infections from scratching due to irritation.
Carrying Germs
In addition to the chemicals that are released when they bite, bed bugs are also known to carry a variety of germs and diseases with them. They can spread parasites such as tapeworms, which is a dangerous thing on its own if your immune system is compromised.
They can also cause anemia in some people by taking too much blood from the body at once, leading to extreme fatigue and even death if untreated — of course, this isn’t something to worry about if you get rid of the bed bugs, but it’s still a serious health concern that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Insomnia Concerns
Related to our section above about mental issues with bed bugs, these pests have even shown a propensity to increase anxiety in many homeowners — which, in turn, can lead to insomnia. This is one of the most common risks of ignoring bed bugs, as sleepless nights are likely to cause additional problems with stress, mood and more.
Although these are all issues that can be caused by many sources — especially if your mental health is compromised — it’s easy to see how they could become exacerbated or occur for the first time due to a pest infestation. This is something that you do not want to have happen in your home, so taking prompt action against the bugs will bring peace of mind and a healthier environment for everyone living there.
They Won’t Just Go Away
There are some pests that, due to seasonal changes or simple behavioral differences, may resolve their own infestations over time — but bed bugs are not one of these. They’re always going to be there if you don’t act, which means you’ll have to deal with the consequences of an infestation for months or even years.
Bed bugs can live for months at a time without a single meal, and will continue to populate your home if you don’t take the initiative. If you simply wait for them to leave, it’s possible that your home will remain infested for as long as a year or more — and this is something you do not want, as there are health risks involved with having an active infestation.
If your house is infested, chances are high that others nearby are experiencing similar issues. If your neighbors have recently dealt with bed bugs, it pays to be proactive and not let the issue become a widespread one. This means that if you take action, you’ll get to that finish line much faster — and enjoy a pest-free home for years to come!
For more on the risks of ignoring bed bug infestation signs, or to learn about any of our pest control services, speak to the staff at A-1 Exterminators today.
