Health unit seeing more cases of bed bug bites
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The Scurry Health Unit has seen an increase in bed bug cases this year. Health unit officials and pest control experts are warning people to watch out for bite marks in a straight row and to clean areas where the bugs may have infested.
Mothers have told their children at night not to let the bed bugs bite, but they seem to be biting more lately.
The Scurry County Health Unit is warning people that the number of bites being seen are increasing in the county. Bed bugs leave a straight line of bites, mainly along the torso area, but are not harmful, unless you continue to scratch it and an infection occurs.
“Use common sense. If it is itching, use antibacterial ointment,” said Health Unit Director Dana Hartman.
The bite marks look similar to chiggers, Hartman said.
People usually find out they have bed bugs after waking up to find the insect crawling on them, according to Rhyno Pest Control owner Ryan Colvin. He said he has been treating homes for bed bugs for the past five years.
Hartman said her staff has been seeing children with bed bug bites during immunization clinics.
The health unit has also received bed bug complaints from people staying in local hotels and motels. Hartman said the owners have been quick to comply with the complaint and take preventive measures.
But it not just the bed where the pests can be found.
“Since they are great hitchhikers, they can be transported in a person’s clothing, luggage and other belongings when they travel,” Colvin said.
Why has there been an increase in the pest? Colvin said there are two main reasons.
“Bed bugs have been on the rise due to international travel and federal government bans on chemicals, which in turn has changed the traditional pest control practices to gels and baits, which do not control bed bugs,” he said.
Colvin said people should look for bed bugs in bed linens, tufts and folds of mattresses and the bottom of box springs where the dust cover is stapled.
“Other areas included, but not limited to are decorative grooves or routing on headboards, screw holes in bed frames, chair and couch cushions or folds on curtains, dresser drawers and night stands and loose wallpaper and paneling,” Colvin said.
To determine if bed bugs are in the home, people should look for live activity, reddish stains on the bed caused by the bug being crushed, excrement — which are blackish spots that look like felt tip pen ink spots on the bed or bedding — and eggs and shades from the bug molting, which are pale yellow in color.
“Evidence of previous infestation on mattresses and box springs doesn’t mean the infestation is current,” Colvin said.