Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects that feed only on blood , primarily human blood, but also animal blood. Their scientific name is Cimex lectulariu s . They do not transmit diseases, but their bites generally cause an itchy skin reaction of varying intensity; They multiply rapidly and can lead to significant infestations in a short period of time; Their life cycle is completed in 6 months, but some bedbugs live 12 or more months and can survive for a long time without feeding; Many bedbugs are resistant to common household insecticides ; A bedbug infestation can be difficult to erradicate and often requires professional pest control intervention. With increasing population density in urban areas, ease of travel, and growing resistance to pesticides, bedbug infestations have become more common in the last 20 years, after a marked decline after World War II. Thus, bedbugs are now a very important urban pest. Maintaining proper cleaning and maintenance routines, being aware of where you sleep, both at home and especially when traveling, protecting and carefully inspecting your luggage upon returning from trips, not ignoring signs that may indicate the presence of bedbugs, and seeking the necessary help are all necessary measures to avoid a problem that has become more common in recent years and can cause significant physical and psychological discomfort. What do bedbugs look like? Bedbugs have a flat, oval body, a reddish-brown color, two antennae, three pairs of legs, and no wings. They hatch from eggs, which are white and the size of a pinhead and are laid by adult females. They then go through several stages of development (during which they are called nymphs) until they become adults. To advance in their life cycle, bed bugs need to feed on blood. Hence their preference for places where people congregate. Adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. They are on average 5-6 mm long, sometimes a little longer. Nymphs can go unnoticed, especially the younger ones, because they are much smaller, around 1 mm. Younger forms are also lighter in color. It is not necessary to see bed bugs to suspect an infestation. Habits and activity of bedbugs There are bedbugs throughout the world. They live primarily in urban areas with higher concentrations of people. During the day, indoors, bedbugs most often hide near people's sleeping areas. They prefer mattresses, both inside and around the seams. They also hide in sofas and other furniture, in crevices, especially beds, on nightstands, behind paintings or wallpaper, in carpets, baseboards, electrical outlets, and other places. At night, they emerge from their hiding places and, attracted by the heat and carbon dioxide, and bite their victims, mainly on exposed skin, feeding on their blood. Blood meals last a few minutes, but bedbug bites are not immediately noticeable because their saliva contains compounds with anesthetic effects. The bite area may become red, irritated, and itchy. More severe allergic reactions can also occur, but these are rare. When to suspect a bedbug infestation Seeing bedbugs is not the only sign to raise suspicion. In fact, when bed bugs are already clearly visible in a home, a significant infestation is usually already present. Common signs that should raise suspicion: Bites on the skin, arranged in lines or clusters , particularly on areas of skin exposed at night: for example, arms, neck, face. Small bloodstains on sheets , originating from bites or from bed bugs that have been crushed after a blood meal. After a blood meal, a bed bug can double in size. Dark spots on sheets or other bedding, mattresses, or furniture , which are bed bug feces. Small reddish-brown fragments on sheets or other bedding, mattresses, or furniture , which are parts of the external skeleton that nymphs shed when they change growth stages. A sweet, unpleasant odor in the environment . Treating bites In most cases, bedbug bites disappear spontaneously within a few days . Itching, irritation, and other skin signs associated with bites should prompt medical attention to identify the problem and institute appropriate treatment measures. Eliminating a bedbug infestation at home Eliminating bedbug infestation is usually not a simple task. It is common to require specialized pest control assistance. Pest control professionals use insecticides and other treatments (chemical and non-chemical) and specific equipment to eliminate infestations in affected homes. After a bedbug extermination, it is normal to stay away from home for a few days. It all depends on the level of infestation and the treatments used, and the instructions provided by those responsible for the extermination should always be followed. In addition to professional treatment, it may be necessary to: Remove mattresses that have been the site of infestation. In other cases, vacuum and brush mattresses thoroughly and repeatedly, as well as furniture, crevices, and other possible hiding places. Wash bedding and clothing with hot water (above 50°C), dry on high heat, and iron. Treat affected surfaces with steam at temperatures above 55°C. You are never too careful Taking preventative measures, being alert to signs, and intervening quickly at the slightest suspicion are essential to preventing bedbug problems. Some prevention strategies: At home: Inspect mattresses, furniture, and bedding regularly; Change bedding frequently: Use protective covers on mattresses, pillows, and bed frames, and wash them regularly. Keep rooms tidy and free of cluttered clothing or other objects that could contribute to creating more hiding places. Keep bedrooms clean and vacuumed. Fix any crevices in baseboards, furniture, and electrical outlets. When traveling: Inspect the room or sleeping area for possible signs of infestation. Protect luggage from possible contamination. When returning from a trip: Open luggage outside the room, in a well-ventilated area, preferably on a balcony, if available. Check luggage and every item of clothing, especially when you've been to places with a history of infestation. Wash and dry clothes at high temperatures. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
