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Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They typically come out at night to bite exposed skin, leaving itchy red welts. While bed bug bites can be irritating, can they actually make you sick? Here’s what you need to know about bed bugs and illness.

Itchy, Red Welts

While bed bugs themselves are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can lead to secondary infections if scratched open. When a bed bug pierces the skin to feed, it injects saliva that contains anesthetics to numb the area as well as anticoagulants to keep blood flowing. For some people, this saliva provokes an allergic reaction resulting in swollen, itchy welts that can be irritating enough to scratch. Scratching the bites can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause a secondary skin infection.

Impetigo

The most common infection from bed bug bites is impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. Impetigo leads to red sores on the skin that ooze fluid and form yellowish crusts. Scratching bed bug bites can spread the sores from one part of the body to another. Impetigo requires antibiotic treatment to clear the bacterial infection.

Dermatitis

While less common, bed bug bites may also lead to longer-term skin conditions like dermatitis. The constant biting, along with components in the insect’s saliva, can trigger an itchy rash in some individuals. This can develop into eczema, an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, extremely itchy patches that ooze and flake. Topical corticosteroids are typically used to reduce inflammation and itching from dermatitis caused by bed bugs.

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, bed bug bites have also coincided with allergic reactions in those predisposed to them. Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction involving constriction of the airways, rapid heartbeat, and dangerously low blood pressure, has occurred in a handful of bed bug bite cases. Anyone with a known allergy to insect bites should take precautions to avoid bed bugs and have epinephrine on hand in case of accidental bites.

Beyond secondary infections and allergic reactions, bed bugs themselves are not believed to spread any human pathogens. According to the CDC, there is currently no evidence that bed bugs transmit infectious diseases. While bed bugs do ingest blood from humans, there is no proof of disease transmission from the bugs themselves. Studies have detected hepatitis B virus DNA in bed bugs, but no evidence that the bugs play a role in hepatitis transmission.

An Emotional Toll

However, the CDC notes that bed bug infestations can take an emotional toll that may indirectly impact health. Dealing with repeated biting over time can lead to sleeplessness, anxiety, and distress – all of which can affect overall well-being. The stigma associated with bed bugs may also lead some to avoid reporting infestations, allowing the bugs to spread and prompt health complications.

Anyone with chronic reactions to bites or signs of infection should see a doctor right away. With proper treatment of both the bugs and resulting symptoms, bed bugs don’t have to mean major illness.

If you have suffered from a bed bug infestation in a hotel or rental property, you may be entitled to compensation, so contact us today.

Visit our office at 917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Call now for a free consultation on (843) 839-4795.

Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. These pesky critters are experienced hitchhikers, traveling into homes undetected in luggage, clothing, used furniture and more. Once inside, they can rapidly multiply and infest entire households. Bed bugs often go unnoticed at first, due to their elusive nature. However, in time, their presence becomes obvious through itchy bite marks and other signs.

Getting rid of bed bugs requires knowledge and perseverance. Understanding their biology and habits is key to controlling infestations. With the right strategies and professional help when needed, it’s possible to eliminate bed bugs and prevent their return.

The Sneaky Pests: Bed Bug Basics

Bed bugs are oval-shaped, wingless, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. During the day, they hide out in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas. At night, they emerge to feed on exposed skin, often around the face, neck, arms and hands.

After a blood meal, bed bugs can survive months without eating again. They can also withstand a wide temperature range, from nearly freezing to almost 113°F. These resilient pests are difficult to get rid of.

Bed bugs don’t transmit disease, but their bites can cause itchy welts. Heavy infestations can lead to significant blood loss and psychological distress. People may experience anxiety, insomnia and paranoia stemming from living with bed bugs.

Hitching a Ride: How Bed Bugs Spread

Bed bugs move by crawling and clinging to surfaces. They can’t fly or jump, but they are champion hitchhikers. The main ways they spread include:

• Used furniture – Bed bugs and eggs can hide in cracks and joints.
• Luggage – Suitcases can pick up bed bugs left behind by previous guests in hotel rooms.
• Clothing and bags – Bed bugs grasp onto fabrics and can be transported unknowingly.
• Secondhand items – Bed bugs can lurk in any object, from books to decor.
• Visitors – The bugs cling to shoes, clothing and purses.
• Pest control companies – If proper protocols aren’t followed, bed bugs spread via workers and gear.
• Adjacent units – Bed bugs crawl through wall voids into neighboring apartments or rooms.

With so many ways to travel, bed bugs easily spread from place to place when given the chance.

Signs of an Infestation: How to Spot Bed Bugs

Bed bugs like to stay hidden, making them hard to detect. Signs of an infestation may include:

• Bite marks – Small, red, itchy bumps often appear in a line or cluster.
• Blood stains – Tiny dark spots on sheets and upholstery caused by crushed bugs.
• Odor – A musty, sweet scent from bed bug secretions.
• Cast skins – Light brown shells left behind when bed bugs molt.
• Live bugs – Sometimes bed bugs can be found hiding near tufts and seams of mattresses and furniture.
• Feces – Small dark spots containing digested blood.

Bed bugs usually come out at night, so they’re most active when people are sleeping. Suspicious bites, blood stains and other signs around beds are red flags. A thorough inspection is needed to confirm their presence.

Invasion of the Bed Bugs: Behavior and Habits

To control bed bugs, it helps to know how they live and act:

• Feeding – Bed bugs use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood, mostly at night. They can survive months between meals.
• Hiding – During the day, bed bugs conceal themselves in dark cracks near beds and furniture. Their flattened bodies allow them to fit into tiny spaces.
• Nesting – Females cement up to 5 eggs per day to surfaces near food sources. Up to 500 eggs may be laid in a lifetime.
• Development – Eggs hatch in about 10 days. Bed bugs go through 5 nymph stages before reaching adulthood in around a month.
• Traveling – Bed bugs crawl onto luggage, clothing, furniture, etc. to spread from place to place. They can travel long distances this way.
• Detecting hosts – Bed bugs are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat. Some can even detect scent cues.
• Survival – They can survive for months without feeding. Bed bugs also develop pesticide resistance quickly.

Knowing bed bug habits makes it easier to pinpoint hiding spots, cut off food supplies, and halt the spreading cycle.

Battling Back: Bed Bug Control Techniques

Eliminating bed bugs requires diligence, patience and comprehensive treatment methods. Common techniques include:

• Inspection – Check all hiding places in bedrooms for signs of bed bugs. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to look in cracks and crevices.
• Vacuuming – Use a crevice attachment to vacuum along baseboards, tufts and seams of mattresses, and furniture joints. Vacuum daily and empty the bag outside immediately.
• Mattress encasements – Covering mattresses in bed bug-proof encasements traps bugs inside and provides a smooth surface, giving them fewer hiding spots.
• Heat treatment – Heating infested items to temperatures over 115°F kills all life stages of bed bugs. Use specialized heating equipment under a professional’s guidance.
• Freezing – Extended exposure to temperatures below 0°F also kills bed bugs. Some companies offer freezer services.
• Disposal – Severely infested furniture may need to be thrown out and replaced to eliminate all bugs.
• Chemicals – Insecticide sprays and dusts are used to treat cracks, crevices and hiding spots in mild infestations. Repeat applications are usually needed.
• Canine detection – Trained dogs can sniff out live bed bugs and eggs, including in walls. This helps pinpoint all infested areas needing treatment.
• Professional help – Pest management companies have the intensive tools and know-how to fully eliminate bed bug problems, including insecticides and heat treatment.

Battling bed bugs requires diligence, patience and employing multiple methods simultaneously. Severe infestations often warrant professional pest control to successfully eliminate the population and prevent their return. Your landlord also has a duty to help if you are a tenant.

Seeking Legal Help with Bed Bug Issues

Bed bug infestations unfortunately remain a common nuisance in apartments, hotels and other dwellings in the U.S.

If you believe you encountered bed bugs due to a landlord or hotel’s negligence, or suffered damages from an infestation, you may have grounds for legal action. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise whether you have a viable case. They can also represent you in negotiations or litigation to recover compensation for any costs, losses or distress caused by a preventable bed bug problem. This may include financial damages related to medical bills, property loss, relocation costs and more.

No one should have to live with an unchecked bed bug infestation. Let an attorney from the Law Office of William J. Luse protect your rights and seek accountability from the responsible parties. With our guidance, you can determine the best course of action if you’ve been impacted by these silent invaders.

Visit our office at 917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Call now for a free consultation on (843) 839-4795.

Airbnb has revolutionized the travel industry, giving vacationers a unique alternative to traditional hotels. However, like all accommodations, Airbnb properties aren’t exempt from the occasional unwanted guests – bed bugs. Let’s explore what you need to know about Airbnb stays and these pesky insects.

Understanding Bed Bugs: What Are They?

Bed bugs are tiny, oval-shaped insects that thrive on human blood. Their size, similar to an apple seed, allows them to easily hide in cracks and crevices. While they don’t spread diseases, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. What’s more, their rapid breeding capacity means that a small infestation can grow quickly if not addressed.

How Bed Bugs Find Their Way into Accommodations

1. Hitchhiking: Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They attach themselves to luggage, clothing, and even electronic devices, making their way from one place to another with ease.
2. Previous infestations: A previous guest might inadvertently bring bed bugs into a property. If the issue isn’t handled promptly, the bugs can multiply and linger for the next guest.
3. Nearby infestations: If a neighboring property or unit has bed bugs, there’s a chance they could migrate.

Airbnb’s Stance on Bed Bugs

Airbnb emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean and safe accommodations for all guests. Hosts are encouraged to proactively handle any pest issues. However, the responsibility largely falls on individual hosts to ensure their spaces are bug-free.

Guests who encounter bed bugs during their stay can report the issue to Airbnb. The company may intervene to ensure the problem is addressed, but responses vary on a case-by-case basis.

Prevention: How to Check for Bed Bugs

It’s always wise to do a quick inspection when you check into any accommodation, not just an Airbnb.

1. Inspect the bed: Start with the obvious place – the bed. Check the mattress seams, headboard, and surrounding areas for tiny bugs or small rust-colored stains.
2. Examine furniture: Bed bugs can also hide in sofas, chairs, and drawers. Give them a quick look over.
3. Check cracks and crevices: These bugs are adept at hiding. Use a flashlight to check behind headboards, along baseboards, and in any small spaces.

What to Do if You Encounter Bed Bugs

1. Alert your host: If you are in an Airbnb property, inform your host immediately.
2. Document everything: Take clear photos of the bugs, if possible, and any bites you may have.
3. Contact Airbnb support: If you feel the issue isn’t being addressed adequately by the host, reach out to Airbnb’s support team.
4. Clean your belongings: Upon leaving, make sure to thoroughly clean and inspect your belongings to avoid transporting the bugs to your home.

How Guests Can Help in Maintaining a Bug-Free Environment

While enjoying the luxuries of their temporary homes, guests also play a role in maintaining the standard of the property.

• Dispose of waste properly: Leaving behind food and trash can attract pests of all kinds. Ensure you dispose of waste in sealed bags and designated bins.
• Keep areas dry: Damp environments can attract pests. Always ensure areas like the bathroom are kept dry after use.

Feedback and Reviews

Airbnb’s model thrives on trust. Leaving honest reviews about your stay, especially concerning cleanliness, helps future guests know what to expect. It also nudges hosts to consistently offer the best possible environment.

Bed Bugs vs. Other Pests

One of the challenges in managing pests is identifying them. Not every insect you find is a bed bug.

• Fleas vs. bed bugs: Fleas are smaller than bed bugs and have a distinct jump. They are commonly associated with pets.
• Mites vs. bed bugs: Mites are microscopic and aren’t easily visible. They often cause skin irritations.

Why Correct Identification Matters

Properly identifying the pest determines the course of action. Using the wrong treatment might not only be ineffective but could also exacerbate the problem.

Creating a Proactive Plan: Tips for Hosts

• Training and education: Knowing is the first line of defense. Hosts should consider getting trained on pest identification and prevention, either online or through local programs.
• Regular professional inspections: Instead of waiting for a complaint, proactive hosts can schedule regular professional inspections. This ensures early detection and management of potential infestations.
• Understanding the local environment: Pests, including bed bugs, have different behaviors and breeding cycles based on geographic locations. For instance, in tropical climates, certain pests might be more prevalent. Hosts should familiarize themselves with local pest behaviors and challenges.

The Economic Impact of Bed Bugs on the Hospitality Industry

Bed bugs can have a significant impact on the hospitality industry, particularly with Airbnb. This includes:

Financial Implications for Hosts

Bed bugs can have a significant economic toll on hosts. Infestations often lead to:

• Pest control expenses: Professional extermination is expensive and might require multiple treatments.
• Lost revenue: Affected rooms or properties need to be vacated during treatment, leading to potential booking cancellations or reductions.

Reputation and Guest Trust

The mere mention of bed bugs in a review can deter potential guests. In the age of digital communication, word spreads quickly, and a single incident can significantly tarnish a property’s reputation. Regaining guest trust can be a long and arduous journey, even after the problem is resolved.

Innovative Solutions in the Fight Against Bed Bugs

Emerging technologies offer promising solutions:

• Heat treatments: Bed bugs are sensitive to temperature changes. Portable heaters can raise room temperatures to levels lethal for the pests.
• Smart mattress covers: Some modern mattress covers are designed to trap bed bugs, preventing them from reaching the sleeper and multiplying.

Seek Expert Guidance Today

Facing bed bug-related issues after an Airbnb stay? You don’t have to deal with the complexities of this situation alone. At the law offices of William J. Luse, we’re seasoned in handling such cases – ensuring you understand your rights and get the justice you deserve.

Reach out today for a consultation and let the experts take it from there. Peace of mind is just a phone call away.

Contact us at: 917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Call now for a free consultation on (843) 839-4795.