How long do bed bites take to heal?
For most of us who have been victims of bed bug bites, the next question that naturally comes to mind is how long do bed bugs bite take to heal. This is because at that point in time all we want is for the itching, swellings and pains to subside so that we can move on with our lives. Let’s take a look at ways of preventing, treating and healing bed bug bites. Bed Bugs Bites Treatments and Control
So what are the ways of preventing bed bugs bite?
- A cluttered home is an attraction for bed bug infestation. And when their presence turns to an infestation, then you have a problem in your hands. A simple way of preventing this is by making sure your home is clean and clutter-free. Clutter is one of the main reasons locating bed bugs can be very difficult. Bed bugs prefer dark, cool places where they can breed and multiply. So the very first step towards preventing a bed bug would be to ensure your home and immediate environment is very neat and not stuffed with unnecessary materials we don’t really need.
- Regularly wash and heat-dry your personal clothing that comes in direct contact with the body such as bed sheets, bedspreads, blankets & towels. These clothing are ready hosts for the eggs and larva of bed bugs. Keeping them neat and in temperatures unsuitable for the eggs’ survival will hell in no small measure in keeping your home bedbug-free.
- You can do it an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technique. This is a broad-based approach in pest management whereby you apply comprehensive knowledge of the lifestyle cycle of pests and their interaction with the environment to control them. It is the most economical means of controlling pests and it is less hazardous to humans, property and the environment. Knowledge and application of this management method will leave your home totally free of bed bugs for a very long time.
- The use of insecticide can also prove useful. Though no single insecticide has proved effective enough to totally eradicate bed bugs, a combination of different brands can work their magic. And the ever-increasing resistance if bedbugs to pesticides in recent years are proving a cause of concern. Yet still, insecticides such as pyrethroids, malathion and carbamate are really good against bed bugs.
- Do well to inspect your home right after visitors must have left. These visitors may not be aware that they are carrying these bugs around. Clean up properly after them.
- Avoid used or discarded furniture. Caution must be the word when bringing used or discarded furniture into your home. And if it becomes absolutely necessary that you obtain second-hand furniture for the financial reasons or any whatsoever, then make sure they are absolutely inspected and thoroughly sterilized. You would be saving yourself from a whole lot of trouble.
- You can seek the help of professionals if you become overwhelmed.
Treatment and Healing Bed Bug Bites
Make sure you really have a bed bug situation in your hands and not just some other insects like fleas or ticks. This is the first step towards ascertaining how long do bed bugs bite take to heal. You can’t be treating a bite you don’t know its source. Also, make sure you don’t get apprehensive and start throwing away your personal belongings. Most of them may be free from the bed bug infestation. While it can be really difficult to identify and eliminate the source of bedbugs, it’s not impossible. With careful inspection and patience, most of your stuff can be salvaged.
Bed Bug Bite Treatments
- Apply alcohol or benzoyl peroxide in the affected area.
- You can apply a mixture of baking soda and water directly on the skin to stop the itching and burning sensation you might be experiencing.
- Other natural lotions such as calamine lotion, Aloe Vera and honey can give you the much-needed relief.
- For some people, no treatment is needed at all. The rash just comes and goes on its own after several days. For some other persons, they might not even know they got bitten by bed bugs.
So, how long do bed bug bites take to heal? On the average that should be 10 days. It all depends on the sensitivity of the skin of the individual involved. Some people do not present symptoms even after numerous bites. They can go about their normal duties without uncomfortable itches and skin discolorations. But if you do not fall under this category follow the above-mentioned modalities for treatment. Professional help could also be sought.