In early October, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Bohn assured thatBedbug infestations appear in some French cities It was a “test” for those affected, and an observatory dedicated to studying the phenomenon was announced.
in Spain, in madridFor example, Sanitation Committee, Fatima MatutLast week it was assured that there was no bed bug infestation in the capital, “although where there is any indication that there may be cockroaches, bed bugs or mosquitoes we will take prompt action.”
According to Madrid consultants, despite the presence of these insects being discovered in a neighborhood in Madrid’s central district, Lavapieswhich is controlled by the pest control company.
Like them?
bed bugs Their dimensions range from 5 to 7 mm, when they are not eating, they are white. Once they’re done eating, they’ll turn tan. The head is small, the antennae are long, the chest is flat, there are side protrusions, but there are no wings.
Their abdomens are rounded or pointed depending on their sex, and they have five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood, so as explained, the younger they are, the smaller they are. To Professor EFEsalud, Department of Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid Sonia Olmeida.
“Usually you can’t see them because they get trapped in crevices, they can only get close to their host to feed, and they’re usually very hidden and we don’t like sunlight at all,” said Olmeda, who also leads the project. Arthropod Health Certificate of Comptons Interest.
peaceful
Sonia Olmeida Seek peace of mind He noted that he was faced with the potential for “alarmist information” about bed bugs because the insects have been living with humans for so long.
“There are others that come from animals, but these are not, they are ours, are native and have evolved with humans before we became humans. Presumably, they accompanied us when we started living in caves Follow us,” Professor Complutense said.
their bites
What do the bites of these uncomfortable little insects look like? They usually occur at night. Coordinator of the Epidemiology and Health Promotion Group of the Spanish Society of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) , Eliseo Martineztell EFEsalud they are painless.
Although they can appear anywhere on the body,Or more commonly, they occur on the face, neck, and upper limbs.
“The typical appearance of a bite wound is a raised lesion with an erythematous (pink) hue, central bleeding, and often pruritic (producing itching),” says the dermatologist, who is also a professor at University College London. Malaga.
Another characteristic aspect (although this does not always occur) is that the bites are distributed linearly, as the parasite executes these bites “until it finds the optimal capillaries to nourish itself”.
Bites tend to get better on their own, so treatment isn’t always mandatory, Martinez said. But if the itching is severe, “corticosteroid cream or oral antihistamines may be used.”
Try not to scratch to avoid complications
“It’s important to avoid scratching to prevent the development of wounds that promote infection,” he advises. If they become re-infected, they can cause impetigo or even cellulitis (an infection caused by bacteria).
Dermatologists say that in very extreme cases, where there may be so many bedbugs present, they may cause anemia.
Another possible complication is an allergic reaction to bed bug bites.
Dermatologists stress that although some pathogens such as hepatitis B virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (the cause of Chagas disease) or Francisella tularensis (which causes tularemia) have been detected in bed bugs, “No pathogen has been found so far.” These parasites have the ability to transmit these diseases to humans. “
Experts continue that when there are many bed bug bites and/or are very itchy, it is recommended to see a doctor for treatment to avoid complications. Also, if you are bitten and there are signs of reinfection or if your general condition is affected.
And the kids?
AEDV Dermatologists insist that when children are bitten, treatment is similar to adults, with some slight differences.
“It must be taken into consideration that children often have more sensitive skin and may have more severe symptoms, so they require individualized treatment,” he points out.
But beyond that, “the safety profile of pediatric drugs is different from that of adults, so drugs recommended for adults may not be recommended for children.”
That way, if a child develops symptoms, they should only follow oral or topical medications prescribed by their pediatrician or dermatologist.
Don’t throw your mattress on the street!
Both Olmeida and Martinez agree that if you suspect your home may have a bed bug infestation, you should call a company that specializes in pest control and fumigation to have the home evaluated and, if necessary, treated for pest control.
Sonia Olmeida also warns against throwing mattresses on the street, because if there are bed bugs, when they escape the light, they will come out and try to take shelter in another place where they can live.
It must be taken into account that these small insects can withstand extreme conditions.
“Under laboratory conditions, if you give an adult everything it needs, it can live for about four years, but without food for one of those four years,” commented the professor at the Complutense School of Veterinary Medicine.
Arthropods have a mechanism for entering diapause, which means their development stops if conditions are not suitable or a host is not available. When they are already beneficial, they begin to activate again.
Olmeida stressed that the eggs they lay are also “super resistant,” which is why “controlling them is so complicated.”
How to stop annoying guests from entering your home
National Association of Environmental Health Companies (Anecpla) A series of instructions are given to try to prevent bed bugs from taking over our homes. If they arrive, remember the importance of having a professional do it instead of using household pesticides.
When traveling, it is recommended detailed checklist, Pillows and mattresses And try not to leave your suitcase on the bed.
He advises against buying second-hand mattresses or pillows. If you are stung during the night, check your sheets for blood and check the seams of your mattress.
Anecpla notes that bed bugs and their eggs may be hiding in dirty laundry baskets, so cleaning them is recommended. If infection is suspected, clothing must be washed at 60 degrees regardless of whether it has been used or not.