Will bed bugs bite your face? 

Where do bed bugs bite?

Bed bugs can bite your face as that is an area that is exposed; however, bed bugs typically bite areas such as the shoulders, arms, neck, and hands as these areas are exposed, easily accessible and the area is widespread. This is an important factor because if the bed bug is disturbed during their feed, they will stop and move to an area close by to carry on with their feed. If you wear pyjamas to bed, then the bed bug will bite along the seam of the pyjamas. 

Do bed bugs feed every night?

Bed bugs don’t always feed every night, they can go up to several weeks without eating, however, they can still bite. This might sound like a good thing, but this can make it increasingly harder to notice when bed bugs are present in your home. It might even take up to a few weeks to realise that the bites you are experience are apart of a bigger arrangement. This is extremely dangerous as it will allow time for the bed bugs to multiply at a rapid speed, a female bed bug can lay eggs every 3-4 days. 

The best way to treat bed bug bites:

In majority of instances, bed bug bites do get better within 1-2 weeks. To help with these symptoms you can: 

• Use an over the counter or prescription steroid cream to reduce the swelling and itchiness.
•  You could take an oral antihistamine to decrease the itching and burning 
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication to help with the swelling and pain
• Take a Benadryl before going sleep to reduce itching or have a doctor prescribe a stronger antihistamine.  

As well as taking or using over-the counter medications, there are various at home treatments that may help to ease the symptoms of bed bug bites. You can try applying or of more of the next: 

• A cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth 
• A thin paste of baking soda and water 

How to prevent bed bug bites:

• Travelers who are exposed or are worried about bed bugs should disinfect luggage, clothes, and belongings soon as they get home, using mechanical methods such as brushing, vacuuming, heating, washing, or freezing. 
• Each time you travel you should use luggage racks to keep your clothes off the floor and away from hotel furniture. 
• Keep your suitcase away from your bed when you get home from a trip, and put your clothes in a dryer cycle before you put them away.
• Put your clothes into vacuum-sealed bags when you are travelling.
• When you arrive home from travelling, seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag.
• If you travel regularly, you can invest in a device that heats your suitcase to a temperature that would kill all begs.
• Examine any second-hand furniture, linen, or clothing for any indications of bed bugs before bringing them into your home
• If you use a collective laundry room, transfer your laundry into plastic bags and do not fold in until you get back home.