Bedbugs? Please no!

by Vicki
(Hendersonville, Tennessee, usa)

I lived in a retirement apartment building in 2012-13. We had a friend with an infestation, and had a friend give us a recliner that turned out to be infested.

We promptly got rid of it, pest control did not find any after that, especially since we got and used a mattress cover impervious to them. We lived in a home for 2 years, used same bedding without any bites or symptoms of bedbugs. I lived alone for almost 2 years after that also without any problem.

I moved to a new apartment about 3 months ago, and am now having occasional bites showing up; I thought maybe from my bedspread which I had stored in a suitcase for several years, so I put that and my blanket back up, no more bites for weeks until this morning when I felt a triangle of bites in my wrist. Is it possible they survived that long in storage or is this something else?? I haven't seen one anywhere on the bedding, or in the seams or top of my mattress

Help!

Suggestions From Our Editor

Hi Vicki,
I’m sorry to hear about your bites and discomfort. Here are some possibilities and steps to take.

Could It Be Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a possibility, but they aren’t the only explanation for itchy bites. Bed bug bites are typically small, red, and itchy, and often appear in clusters or lines on exposed skin. However, without any visible evidence like bugs, shed skins, or fecal stains on your bedding, it’s worth considering other causes too.

Other Possible Culprits

1. Mosquitoes or Other Insects: If your home has open windows or doors, mosquitoes or other biting insects could be the cause.
2. Skin Irritation or Allergies: Reactions to new laundry detergents, skincare products, or allergens in your environment can mimic bite-like symptoms.
3. Mites or Fleas: If you have pets, flea bites can also appear on exposed areas like arms and legs.

Steps to Take

1. Inspect Your Bed

Carefully examine your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs, such as: - Small, rust-colored stains (bed bug feces). - Tiny dark spots or shed skins. - Live bugs, which are about the size of an apple seed.
Use a flashlight and check seams and crevices thoroughly.

2. Address Potential Allergens

If you’ve recently changed laundry detergents, skincare products, or even diet, consider reverting to previous products or keeping track of what might have caused a reaction.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms

Pay attention to when and where new bites appear. If they consistently show up overnight or in certain areas of your home, this can help identify the cause.

4. Consult Professionals

If you don’t find any signs of pests and the bites persist, consider consulting a dermatologist or pest control professional for further investigation.

What’s Next?

If you find evidence of bed bugs, it’s essential to contact a pest control expert for treatment. Otherwise, your issue may be allergen-related or caused by other insects, and further steps can address those causes effectively.

Let me know how it goes, and feel free to reach out with updates or additional questions!

Best regards,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook