Bed bug infestation facts for kids

A bed bug bite can cause itchy skin rashes and allergic reactions. These tiny insects feed on blood, usually at night. You might see small, red marks on your skin after being bitten. To know for sure if you have bed bug bites, you need to find the actual bugs or signs of them around your sleeping area. Getting rid of the bed bugs themselves is the main way to treat the bites.

Bed bugs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. In recent times, especially since the 1980s and 1990s, the number of bed bug cases has been increasing. This rise is likely due to more people traveling internationally. It is also linked to the buying and selling of used furniture. Another reason might be that bed bugs are becoming resistant to some bug sprays.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are usually reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed. This means they are about 4 to 5 millimeters long. Bed bugs are mostly active at night when people are sleeping. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day.

You can often find bed bugs in mattresses, bed frames, and headboards. They can also hide in furniture, carpets, or even behind wallpaper. They are very good at hiding.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. They might look like mosquito bites. Sometimes, the bites appear in a line or a cluster. This is because a bed bug might bite several times as it feeds.

Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some people might not have any reaction at all. Others might get very itchy rashes or even allergic reactions. It's important not to scratch the bites too much. Scratching can lead to skin infections.

Why Are Bed Bugs Becoming More Common?

Bed bugs were almost gone in many parts of the world by the mid-20th century. However, they have made a big comeback. One main reason is the increase in global travel. Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride in luggage, clothes, or even on people. This allows them to spread quickly from one place to another.

Another factor is the rise in buying and selling second-hand items. Used furniture, clothing, and mattresses can sometimes carry bed bugs. When these items are brought into new homes, the bugs can spread. Also, some bed bugs have become stronger. They are now resistant to certain pesticides that used to kill them easily.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs can be tricky. It often requires a lot of effort. The first step is to clean your home thoroughly. This includes vacuuming carpets and furniture often. You should also wash all bedding, curtains, and clothes in hot water. Then, dry them on a high heat setting.

You can also use a stiff brush to scrub mattress seams. This helps remove bed bugs and their eggs. Encasements for mattresses and box springs can trap bed bugs inside. This prevents them from biting you or escaping. For serious infestations, you might need to call a professional pest control service. They have special tools and treatments to get rid of bed bugs completely.

Images for kids

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  Bedbug bites

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  Bedbug bites

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  An adult bed bug is about 4 to 5 mm long.

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  1870s–1890s advertisement for a bed bug exterminator. It reads "Use Getz cockroach and bed bug exterminators, sold by all druggists."

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  1860 engraving of bed bug parts: A. Intestines – B. Antenna of the male – C. Eye – D. Haustellum, or sucker, closed – E. Side view of sucker – F. Under part of head – G. Under lip – GG. Hair of the tube, and outside cases – H. Egg-bag – I. Larva emerging from the eggs

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  Eggs and two adults found inside a dresser

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  Fecal spot

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  Bed bug on carpet

See also

In Spanish: Ácaros de cama para niños