Hypersensitivity reactions may develop in some who become sensitised to bed bug saliva.Purpura, petechiae, vesicles, urticaria, pustules, localised infection, and (rarely) anaphylaxis may also develop.Some people develop cutaneous reactions with pruritus (itching) and (most commonly) 2–5 mm red bumps.A small punctum (hole) may be seen at the site of the bite.The bed bug bite lacks venom and their saliva has antibacterial defensin (an antibacterial peptide) resulting in up to 70% of people having no bite reaction. What are the clinical features of bed bug infestation?īed bugs cannot be identified from their bite alone.

In developing countries, bed bugs can be found in the cracks and crevices of the walls of mud houses, as well as thatched roofs. Bed bugs cannot fly or jump, but once fed can move at the pace of an ant and can migrate through holes in walls, water pipes, or gutters, thus moving across rooms in dwellings. They are attracted to warm environments and infestations typically occur in or around sleeping areas.īed bugs do not travel on humans, but can travel in furniture (particularly upholstered furniture), luggage, and clothing. Infestations are on the rise in urban populations, which is thought to be secondary to a ban on many organophosphates insecticides (chemicals targeting crop-damaging insects and small animals). What causes bed bug infestation?īed bugs are found worldwide. Reports of bed bug infestations appear to be increasing in homes, apartments, hotel rooms, hospitals, and hostels in developed countries with approximately 9% of apartments in large American cities having bed bugs in 2022. Those who travel frequently or sleep in places where there is a high turnover of people staying there (eg, dorm rooms, motels or hotels, or emergency accommodation) may be at higher risk. Click for images of bed bug infestation Who gets bed bugs?īed bugs feed on the blood of animals, particularly humans.

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