Bedbugs, often referred to as the vampires of the insect world, are experiencing a resurgence in developed countries. These reddish-brown bloodsuckers can hide in narrow crevices in furniture and lurk in clothes, linens, and mattresses, making them difficult to detect.

Health Risks

Bedbugs can cause people to lose sleep and blood, and some scientists believe they may be capable of spreading an antibiotic-resistant infection called MRSA. While there is no clear evidence that bedbugs have spread diseases from one person to another, researchers are concerned about the potential risks.

A 2020 medical journal case report from France detailed the story of a 70-year-old man who lived by himself in an apartment and fainted on the street one day. He was diagnosed with dementia and anemia caused by a longstanding loss of blood, and thousands of bedbugs were found in his bed and on the floor, walls, and curtains of his home.

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent bedbug infestations, travelers can check their hotel rooms for signs of bedbugs and avoid placing luggage on beds or on the floor near beds. When returning home, it is essential to open luggage outside and take laundry right to the washing machine and dryer. Visually inspecting secondhand furniture and treating it before bringing it into the home can also help prevent infestations.

If an infestation occurs, it is crucial to take action quickly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers do-it-yourself guidance for getting rid of bedbugs, but it can be labor-intensive and may require professional exterminators. Insecticides, silica dust treatments, and sustained dry heating are some of the options available for treating bedbug infestations.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.