ieExplains: What are bedbugs and how can I avoid them? 

They are about the size of an apple seed and become redder in colour and more elongated after feeding.

They are found nearly everywhere people gather, including houses, hotels, schools, offices, shops and public transport.

Bedbugs are often found in the bedroom, hence the name. They hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, box springs, headboards, bed frames and other objects around a bed.

What do bedbugs eat?

Bedbugs only eat blood. Although the insects require regular meals to survive and develop, adult bed bugs can survive for months after eating a blood meal.

The creatures primarily feed on humans but also enjoy other warm-blooded animals including dogs, cats, rabbits or birds.

What are the signs of a bedbug infestation?

Signs of an infestation include a sweet musty odour or red/rust-coloured spots on bedsheets, pyjamas, or other nearby objects.

How do I know if I’ve been bitten by bedbugs?

According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), bedbugs often leave a bite mark on the face, neck, arms and hands. However, the bite marks can appear anywhere on the body.

When bedbugs bite, they inject an anaesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realising they are being bitten.

This leaves many people unaware they have been bitten until bite marks appear. This can occur anywhere from one to several days after the first bite, according to the HPSC.

The bite marks resemble that of a mosquito or flea bite — slightly swollen and red and may cause itching or irritation.

How can I treat bedbug bites?

Bedbug bites generally clear up in a week or so. Unlike other creatures, the bites do not usually spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or in some cases, a severe skin reaction.

Some ways to reduce the swelling are:

• Place something cool, like a clean damp cloth on the infected area to help with itching and swelling;
• Keep the affected area clean;
• Refrain from scratching the bites to avoid getting an infection.

Signs you should see a doctor:

You should see a GP if:

• The bedbug bites are still painful, swollen or itchy after trying treatments from a pharmacist;
• The pain or swelling around the bites is spreading;

These signs may indicate an infection that may require treatment with antibiotics.

How can I prevent bedbugs while travelling?

• Thoroughly inspect your hotel room upon arrival, including behind the headboard, under lights and inside dressers, drawers, sofas and chairs;
• Pull back the sheet and inspect the mattress seams for pepper-like stains, spots or shed bedbug skins;
• Ensure luggage is placed in the bathroom in the middle of a tiled floor, away from upholstered surfaces. Keep luggage away from a luggage rack if it has hollow legs — bedbugs may hide here undetected;
• If you think your room is infested, notify hotel management and request an immediate room change. Avoid moving to the room next door and directly above/below the previous room, as bedbugs can easily spread via housekeeping carts, luggage or wall sockets;
• Upon returning home, don't bring luggage or clothing into your home without checking it carefully for bedbugs;
• If you suspect an infestation, wash clothing on a hot wash at 60C and tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, place clothing in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer for three to four days.