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Bed bugs are small flat reddish brown insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. They feed on their hosts when the hosts are asleep, hence the name bed bugs. The sudden prevalence of these wingless creatures has brought up actions towards bed bug control.
Just because they are named bed bugs doesn’t necessarily mean that they are only found near beds or places where people or animals sleep.
For proper bed bug control, other areas of the house must be inspected as well. Bed mites also are present in chairs, upholstery, furniture, and also in small, dark, protected spaces.
Bed Mites and Diseases
Studies show that bed mites do not carry a health risk, and they have never been known to transmit disease to humans. This doesn’t mean that there is no danger to a person’s health when it comes to the bites of these pests.
Once bed mites are discovered, the area should be treated against these pests and proper bed bug control measures should be initiated.
One reason that bed mite control is important to some people is because a bug bite can cause an allergic reaction to them. Signs of an allergic reaction are itchiness, swelling, and discomfort.
These can also cause some psychological stress due to the anxiety caused of a bug bite during sleep.
MRSA
Researchers in Vancouver have discovered some of these pests contain Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). MRSA can cause infections of the skin, blood, and joints. It also causes pneumonia. MRSA kills 19,000 Americans annually.
Although not proven, the discovery suggests that bed mites may play a role in the transmission of MRSA, especially in areas that are highly infested. In places such as these, bed bug control is a priority.
As mentioned, there has not been any research that proves bed mites can infect humans with MRSA. But the study does suggest that treatment of bed mite in one’s home is important. Bed bug control should not be ignored.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Bed mites are not known to carry diseases but it can cause allergies to some people. For a few, the allergies caused can be a serious health risk. Medical treatment is recommended if the person experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lip or tongue swelling
- Dizziness/Fainting
- Rashes
- Spreading redness around the bite
- Fever
Although only a small percentage is allergic to bug bites, responsible bed bug control can save a person a trip to the hospital.
