For most of us, the very idea of bed bugs is enough to make us ill. But seriously, can bed bugs make you sick? Well yes, they can, though illness may not come from a bite. In this article, we’ll look at how bed bugs and their bites can cause illnesses.
Do Bed Bugs Carry Disease?
Some studies of bed bugs and infectious diseases have shown that the pests can carry pathogens like Hepatitis B and HIV, as well as the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease — found mostly in Latin America. However, no study has found that bed bugs can pass along any disease agents to humans.
Health Effects of Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs may not pass on infectious diseases, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls them “a pest of significant public health importance” that causes negative effects on physical and mental health. Bites carry a variety of effects, some mild, others more serious.
Bed Bug Bites and Allergic Reactions
The symptoms of bed bug bites — swollen, itchy, (sometimes burning), red bumps with a dark spot in the middle — are allergic reactions. Bed bugs transfer saliva (laced with an anesthetic and an anticoagulant) before they take blood. Your body sends histamines to attack the invader, thus leading to swelling and a ferocious itch.
Note: It is possible to be bitten and never see a bump: Some people don’t have a reaction to bed bug saliva.
In some people, bed bug saliva can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Get emergency help for these symptoms, which can come on immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue
- Blister
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
Bed Bugs and Respiratory Illnesses
Bed bugs don’t have to bite you to trigger a serious reaction. Exposure to bed bug waste may trigger asthma attacks or make them worse.
The culprit is histamine, found in bed bug feces. For those of us with allergies, histamine exposure can bring a runny nose, congestion, or itchy eyes. But in some people, it triggers the sudden narrowing of airways, producing an asthma attack.
Killing bed bugs doesn’t entirely remove histamine since feces can remain in carpets and upholstery. A 2018 study found that three months after heat treatment to kill the pests, high levels of histamines were still detected in household dust. An air purifier may help lessen your exposure to histamines and improve indoor air quality.
Bed Bug Bites and Skin Infections
Bed bug bites itch, and it can seem like they’re begging you to scratch. That’s a bad idea. Hundreds of thousands of bacteria live under your fingernails. (With more on your skin.) Scratching breaks skin cells and sends bacteria into the wound. The results can include these infections:
Cellulitis: Commonly caused by the bacteria that causes strep and staph. If left untreated, cellulitis can result in sepsis, a potentially fatal systemic infection.
Impetigo: A contagious infection that can produce sores and blisters. It commonly affects young children.
Folliculitis: An infection that affects hair follicles. It’s usually minor, but chronic cases can be hard to treat. Unfortunately, the bumps caused by folliculitis also itch.
Bed Bug Bites and Anemia
Studies associate bed bug infestations with anemia. A 2021 paper cited a study of 322 ER patients whose homes had bed bug infestations. When compared with a control group, researchers found that these patients were more likely to be anemic or severely anemic and more likely to receive blood transfusions.
U.S., Canadian, and European case studies cite “at-risk” patients with anemia from bed bug bites. Many could not fight an infestation: they were older, lived in crowded conditions, lacked financial resources, or had cognitive or mobility issues.
Children are also at risk: A 1962 study in India discussed bed bug bites as a factor in anemia cases among infants and young children.
Bed Bugs and Mental Health Issues
A bed bug infestation can be distressing, which is an understatement. Treating bites and fighting the bugs can take an emotional toll and leave people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues — or potentially make existing issues worse.
It’s not uncommon: In a 2012 study on the psychological effects of bed bugs, researchers read a month’s worth of posts on bed bug blogs and internet sites. They found that more than 80% of the 135 posts cited at least one symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Some issues connected to bed bugs:
Lack of sleep: It’s tough to sleep if you’re itching or worrying that you’ll wake up to more bites. But sleep helps us regulate emotions and how we process daily events, according to Columbia University. A lack of sleep makes it hard to cope with work or daily life and increases your risk for other health problems.
Anxiety and depression: The time, money, and effort spent on fighting bugs, plus the fear that they may return, can trigger or increase anxiety. Also, having bed bugs can be a blow to a person’s self-worth and a possible trigger for depression.
Social isolation: Having bed bugs carries a stigma, even though they’re found at every social and economic level. Some people will isolate themselves, assuming that friends and co-workers will avoid them.
Health Effects of Bed Bug Sprays
Pesticides are one line of defense against bed bugs. But they can carry a risk of illness, especially if they’re improperly used, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2011, the CDC published a review of 111 cases of illnesses (including a fatality) related to bed bug insecticides and cited improper use as a factor.
Topical Reactions
These can occur while applying a pesticide or coming in contact with the chemicals after they’ve been applied. Symptoms include:
- Reddening of the skin
- Rashes or blisters
- Itchy skin and eyes
- Respiratory issues
Systemic Reactions
Systemic reactions can happen if pesticides are absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled. Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
Safe Use of Bed Bug Sprays
If you’re planning a DIY approach to fighting bed bugs, the EPA recommends these precautions:
- Use an EPA-registered bed bug product purchased from a known retailer. Unknown formulations can be unsafe and may not work.
- Don’t use outdoor pesticides inside. You can contaminate your home and risk illness.
- Don’t use pesticides on your body.
- Read the label and follow the instructions. Don’t apply extra pesticide or use it more often than the label calls for. That can allow bed bugs to become resistant to the pesticide.
- Don’t spray furniture, beds, or clothing unless the product specifically allows that.
- Use caution with bed bug foggers. Using several at once can cause a fire.
Bed Bug Sprays and Pets
If you’re using pesticides to battle bed bugs, use caution if you have pets. Some pesticides (including those used in the yard and garden) can be toxic to pets. Pyrethrins can be dangerously toxic to fish and cats.
Here are a few precautions to keep your pets safe from pesticides:
- Get pets (including birds) out of the room or house before treatment. Cover fish tanks, too. Follow label instructions on when pets can return.
- Remove pets’ bedding, toys, food, and water bowls from the house.
- Consider turning off the central heating or air to keep pesticides from spreading through the house.
- Call your vet if you suspect your pet has been exposed to a pesticide; get immediate help if your pet has difficulty breathing, convulsions, or tremors.
FAQ
Can Bed Bug Bites Make My Pet Sick?
Bed bugs aren’t known to pass infectious diseases to pets, according to PetMD. But the itching of bites can make Champ and Fluffy miserable. They’ll begin scratching and licking, which can lead to a bacterial skin infection.
In dogs, infections can present as pus-filled bumps or dry, flaky patches of skin. In cats, you’ll see excessive scaling or small solid bumps on the skin. Both dogs and cats can suffer hair loss.
In some cases, dogs and cats can have severe allergic reactions to bites. Get immediate help if your pet has these symptoms:
- Rapid swelling of the face
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Fainting
Can Bed Bugs Make You Sick to Your Stomach?
There’s no evidence that bed bugs pass on diseases that might make you nauseous, though the stress of fighting an infestation can bring on gastrointestinal problems.
Bed bug feces carry high levels of histamines, which can trigger respiratory allergies or asthma. While those who are histamine-intolerant can have gastrointestinal issues, it usually happens after they consume food or drinks that carry a high level of the hormone.
Can Bed Bug Bites Make You Feel Tired?
Yes, bed bug bites can make you feel tired. Worrying about an infestation or the itching from bites can keep you awake, and the lack of sleep will leave you fatigued during the day. Another possibility: Multiple, constant bites from a severe infestation are linked to anemia — feeling tired and weak are symptoms.
When to Call in the Pros
Bed bugs can cause illnesses, so you certainly want to get rid of them. If your DIY efforts aren’t working, consider calling a local pest control company. A local pro can quickly and safely remove bed bugs from your home so you and your family can sleep soundly.
Main Image Credit: British Pest Control Association / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
