Given a Sofa Bed And Now Waking Up Covered in Bites? Here’s How to Regain Control

by Darlene
(Las Vegas, NV )

Reader Question: Can I Get This Under Control?

When it comes to bugs the usual saying is there are 10x more than what can be seen. Is this true here too ? I was giving a sofa bed and I believe it was infested with bed bugs. I got rid of the offensive furniture within the week I got it. But I must have carried them into the bedroom. I woke up today bitten from head to toe.

Can I get this under control ? Very new to this, any advice would be greatly appreciated. We can't sleep-can't stop scratching and basically freaking out. The less sleep we get the more we feel them all over us. HELP HELP HELP.
Thank you
From Itchy in Las Vegas

Our Response

Hi Itchy in Las Vegas, thank you for reaching out and providing details about your situation, along with the photos. First, let’s address your main concerns and provide you with actionable steps to regain control over the situation.

Are There More Bed Bugs Than What You Can See?

Unfortunately, yes. Bed bugs are experts at hiding in cracks, crevices, and fabric seams, which means the ones you’ve seen are likely only a fraction of the infestation. They are nocturnal, making them harder to spot during the day, and they often hide in areas close to where you sleep.

What We See in the Photos

The red, inflamed spots shown in your pictures are consistent with bed bug bites, often appearing in clusters or lines. This is a typical pattern as bed bugs tend to bite multiple times while feeding. The reaction can vary depending on skin sensitivity, and the itching can be severe, as you’ve described.

Steps to Take Right Away

1. Inspect and Clean Thoroughly: Start by carefully inspecting your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding furniture. Look for live bugs, eggs (which are tiny and white), black fecal spots, or shed skins.


2. Use Heat to Kill Bed Bugs: Wash all bedding, clothing, and soft items from your bedroom in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting. Heat above 130°F is lethal to bed bugs.


3. Vacuum Daily: Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to clean all cracks, crevices, and seams in your furniture and flooring. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag.


4. Encasements: Encase your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof covers to trap any remaining bugs and prevent new ones from entering.


5. Set Up Interceptors: Place bed bug interceptors under the legs of your bed to monitor and trap any bugs attempting to climb up.

Professional Treatment

Since the infestation seems widespread (judging by the bites and your experience of feeling them all over), it’s highly recommended to consult a pest control professional. They can provide heat treatments or chemical solutions that are more effective for severe infestations.

Tips to Manage the Itching

• Apply over-the-counter antihistamine creams or hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Use cool compresses or oatmeal baths to soothe irritated skin.


• If the itching persists or worsens, consult a doctor for stronger prescription medications.

Bed bugs are a challenge, but they can be eradicated with the right approach. Start with immediate cleaning and containment, but consider professional help to address the infestation thoroughly. Remember, you’re not alone—bed bugs don’t discriminate, and many have dealt with this same issue. Let us know if you have further questions or updates. Wishing you success in your fight against these pests! Best regards,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook