BED BUG DANGERS

Because bed bugs are parasites, they feed on their host—in this case, humans. Although a bite by a bed bug will not be life-threatening for most people in south Africa, a bed bugs bite still causes a red, itchy rash. This rash will appear in exposed parts of your body, such as your legs, arms, hands, face, neck, and shoulders. Most people do not receive anything more serious than a rash from bed bugs. However, some people are allergic, and their reactions to a bed bugs' bite can be severe. Plus, because the bites are itchy, they may lead to secondary infection, especially in populations like children and the elderly who are more prone to excessive scratching.

HOW TO IDENTIFY BED BUGS

In case you've never seen them, bed bugs have a very distinctive size and shape. They are brown with an oval body. Bed bugs' body varies in size depending on when they had their last meal. And, their bodies are flat, which means that they can squeeze almost anywhere. However, because they are about the size of an apple seed most often, you will likely not be able to make out too many details.

If you have moving black/brown dots on your bedclothes, then you have a bed bug problem and need to call a bed bug exterminator. Thankfully, bed bugs prefer to infest beds. Mattresses, box springs, headboards, and bed frames are their preferred habitat because they are parasites that feed on humans. But, keep in mind that while it's true that you will most likely see bed bugs infesting a bedroom if they are in your home long enough, they will move to other areas. Therefore, you need to get bed bug treatment as soon as possible to keep the issue localized.