How to Treat Bed Bugs Bite in 7 Easy Ways

If bed bugs are living in your house, you must get rid of them. Bed bug bites may cause irritation, itching, and soreness. 

There are certain ways of avoiding and treating bed bug bites.

Did you know bed bug bites can be treated at home? 

Yes, the burn and itching caused by bed bug bites can be cured by simple home remedies!

In this post, you will learn some bed bugs bite treatments and home remedies. 

What are bed bugs

Bed bugs are insects that live in your bed, clothing, furniture, etc. They feed on animal and human blood. They are scientifically known as Cimex lectularius.

Bed bugs are most active when you sleep. That’s when they feed on you!

They can’t fly, but they travel quickly over your furniture, ceiling, and floor. 

Bed bugs are not reported to transmit diseases in humans.

Bed bug bites are not often dangerous. However, they can be itchy and irritating and may cause rashes and allergies. 

Bed bug bites are also reported to cause sleep deprivation and worsen psychological issues. 

The U.S CDC (Center for disease control and prevention) and EPA (Environment Protection Agency) have regarded bed bugs as significantly important pests of human health. 

Although most of the people who experience bed bug bites do not experience serious symptoms, some people may develop severe inflammation. 

Let’s have a look at the symptoms of bed bugs bite:

• Inflammatory: painful, swollen, and red.
• Itchy and burning
• Lined or zigzag patterned bumps

Symptoms can vary in different individuals. 

Most of the bed bugs bite your skin areas that are exposed. These include:

• Face
• Arms 
• Neck 
• Shoulders 
• Legs
• Hands 

According to a study, reactions caused by Bed bug bites resolve without treatment within 3 to 10 days. 

What causes bed bug bites?

Bed bug bites might be caused by:

1. Traveling

The most frequent cause of bed bug bites is traveling. Bed bugs easily move through clothing, baggage, and other personal belongings. In this way, they can travel to another place without letting the traveler know. 

They hide from humans easily. They are so clever that they only come outside when people are mostly asleep. Even then, they remain cautious. 

2. Rental and second-hand furniture

Another cause of bed bug bites is when you take second-hand furniture or rental furniture. Bed bugs may travel through them to your home.

3. Insecticide resistance

Frequent use of insecticides can introduce resistance in insects. This means insects will no longer respond to the action of toxic substances you use to kill them. 

This in turn makes them strong and humans become more susceptible to insect biting including bed bugs. 

How can you reduce bed bug bites?

Bed bug bites can be reduced by adopting the following few hygienic measures:

• Cleaning and sanitizing beds, floors, households, and clothing
• Vacuuming the households frequently
• Covering your skin while you sleep
• Avoiding or sealing the furniture that’s cracked

Using insecticides at home without recommendation may be harmful. 

It’s always advised to get suggestions on how to clean your households off bedbugs from a pest control professional. 

Furthermore, a recent study has also found that heat can kill a maximum of bed bugs and is one of the most effective killing methods. 

Simple home remedies and treatments for bed bugs bite

How should you treat bed bugs bite? 

Physicians might suggest you use antihistamines, anti-itching creams, and over-the-counter steroids. 

But do you know that beg bug bites can also be treated at home? It’s simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

Now, we’ll let you know about seven simple remedies to treat bed bugs bites at home. Let’s dive in!

1. Applying Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a great home remedy to treat bed bug bite burn.

Toothpaste contains menthol. Bed bug bite causes a burning sensation and toothpaste can soothe the burn. 

Apply a plentiful quantity of toothpaste to the area where the bed bug has bitten. 

The burning sensation, pain, and itching will be removed. 

It has been reported that most people bitten by bed bugs seek home remedies and do not go for hospitalized treatment. 

2. Baking soda and water

Baking soda can be found in nearly every kitchen. 

Experts have suggested that a paste of water and baking soda can help relieve the inflammation caused by bed bug bites. 

All you have to do is to make a thin paste of both ingredients. Then apply the paste directly onto the part of the skin where the bed bug has bitten. Lastly, let it dry for almost ten minutes. 

You’ll notice the change afterward. It will help with the swelling caused by the bug bite. 

If the itching continues, stop the treatment and seek medical help immediately.

3. Certain essential oils

Various scientific findings have concluded that plant essential oils have the potent ability to kill bed bugs effectively. 

Although bed bugs are resistant to many oils. Plant essential oils like thymol and carvacrol are extremely powerful against bed bugs.

Scientists are also making pesticides by incorporating essential oils in them. 

These essential oils can be applied to affected areas in small quantities, and are effective treatments for bed bugs bite. 

Witch hazel is also an essential oil easily available in the U.S and other regions. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

It is effective against pain, itching, and swelling. 

4. Apple cider vinegar

For centuries, people have been using vinegar as an immediate treatment strategy against insect bites.

Vinegar has shown promising results in many medical conditions. 

Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can reduce the burning sensation and itching. 

If you’ve been bitten by a bed bug, apply some drops of apple cider vinegar.

All you have to do this to take a washcloth and dip it into cold water and vinegar. Then apply it onto the affected body part. Don’t use hot water.

See the reduction in stinging sensations. 

5. Ice

Post-surgery is usually accompanied by pain and swelling. 

Several studies have reported ice packs to be very beneficial in reducing swelling and pain after knee replacement and other surgeries. 

Ice helps to numb pain and constrict blood vessels, thereby decreasing the blood flow. Thus, it lessens recovery time. 

Ice packs on a bed bug bite are also an effective strategy. Remember not to apply ice directly.

Wrap ice in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area. Don’t keep it in the area for more than 10 minutes. 

6. Aloe vera

Aloe Vera has immense beneficial properties. It can also be applied on a bed bug bit as a natural home remedy.

It has long been known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties. 

Aloe Vera gel has been reported to be very effective when applied to burns, wounds, skin irritations, and inflammatory sites. 

7. Honey

Besides the nutritional properties of honey, it also has extensive healing properties.

It is known to be effective as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent. 

In this modern medicinal world, it is still practiced in the treatment of wounds and burns.

Honey is antiseptic. It can be applied directly to the infection site. A study has reported that its application can aid in the healing of infection and burns. 

Takeaway

Bed bugs are globally significant human pathogens. They feed on your blood!

Bed bug bites can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, and burning sensations. Thus, it is very important to reduce the infection. 

The fun fact is that you can treat it at home with natural home remedies. 

In this article, we discuss bed bugs bite treatments and remedies are discussed which are easily accessible and give effective results.

Follow them and be prepared before a bed bug bites you!