‘Huge surge’ of bed bugs: Everything you need to know to get rid of them

Travel activity is booming again after the pandemic lull — but people aren’t the only ones taking trips.

There’s been an uptick in the appearance of bed bugs as more wander the world — namely in Paris where Fashion Week is being held. French officials have warned of a “widespread” outbreak of bedbugs in public spaces, calling the problem a “scourge.”

“No one is safe,” Deputy Mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire said.

Entomologists are also warning people to be careful after an influx in jet setting in general.

“This year is a unique year because we’re seeing such a huge surge and resurgence in travel activity,” Michael Bentley, director of training and education at the National Pest Management Association, told USA Today.

“Bed bugs are incredibly effective travelers just like we are. As we evolved to travel around the world, bed bugs evolved to travel with us.”

So, with a “huge surge” of bed bugs, how can you protect yourself against an infestation and how do you get rid of them?

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

There are two main things to look for to see if you have bed bugs: bites on your body and signs of bed bugs.

Chances are, if you have bed bugs, you have bug bites. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, bed bugs usually cause itchy wells that appear in a zig-zag formation. Each cluster of bites typically contains three to five bites.

Looking for signs of bed bugs takes more effort since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see the bed bugs, as they are only about the size of an apple seed. You might be able to see them if there’s a large number, but there are other signs to look out for. Check the places where people sleep for:

• Smell: If there is a sweet, musty odor in the sleeping area, there might be a heavy infestation. Bed bugs produce chemicals to communicate, which causes the odor — though not everyone will smell it.
• Specks of blood: Check your bedding, mattresses, blankets, sheets, mattress pads, box springs and even upholstered furniture such as couches and headboards. If there are specks of blood anywhere, especially near the seams, there might be an infestation.
• Exoskeletons: Bed bugs leave behind an outer shell that they shed off. So if you see any shell-like remains, it’s likely from a bed bug.
• Tiny, blackish specks: Check the bedding, mattress, headboard and beneath couch cushions for blackish specks, which are likely bed bug excrement.
• Eggs: Female bed bugs will lay white, oval eggs in cracks and crevices after mating. Note that the eggs will be small.

How do you treat bed bug bites?

Bed bug bites typically go away within a week or two and can be treated at home, according to the AAD.

At-home treatment includes washing the bites with soap and water to help prevent infection and reduce itchiness. If the bites itch, you can apply a corticosteroid cream.

However, if you have many bites, bites that seem infected (feel tender or ooze discharge), blisters or an allergic reaction (skin red and swollen or hives), then you should see a dermatologist for treatment.

A severe allergic reaction might call for an injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid or epinephrine (adrenaline).

An infection might require an antibiotic, but depending on severity, your dermatologist could recommend just an over-the-counter antiseptic.

As for an itch, your dermatologist will tell you what method is best for your specific situation, but it would most likely be either a prescription antihistamine pill, liquid or a corticosteroid.

What not to do if you have bed bugs

In a state of shock or panic, you might be tempted to make some moves that are not recommended. Here are things you should avoid doing in the event of a bed bug infestation, according to USA Pest Control:

• Do NOT throw away your mattress or furniture. This will just make the problem worse since the beg bugs and their eggs will spread throughout the home as the items are moved out. Plus, it’s a waste of money.
• Do NOT move your furniture into another room or sleep in another room. The bed bugs will only follow you and create colonies in the room you move to — they won’t go away. If you have to move a small item such as a child’s toy to another room, be sure to first put it through the dryer at 120 degrees.
• Do NOT try to get rid of them yourself. Do-it-yourself methods are “ineffective at best, and dangerous at worst.” Many products sold for home use are hazardous and contain chemicals that can cause physical harm. Insecticide sprays and “bombs” don’t actually kill bed bugs — they just cause them to relocate to another part of your home.

How to get rid of bed bugs

Now that you know what not to do, the Environmental Protection Agency has tips on what you should do in the case of a bed bug infestation:

• Prepare your home. Whether you’re hiring a professional or doing well-researched at-home treatment, properly preparing your home for treatment is the first step, including:
  • Reducing clutter. Clutter is a great hiding space for bed bugs, so make sure to keep clothing off the floor, get rid of cardboard boxes — but don’t move infested items to a non-infested area. Rather, put them into a trash bag.
  • Make your bed an island. Move your bed at least six inches away from the wall, put bug-proof covers on your mattress, make sure bedding does not touch the floor, remove anything from under the bed and place bed bug interceptors under each leg of the bed.
  • Clean all items in the infested area. Using a hot dryer, heat treat clothing, bedding and other items to kill bed bugs and eggs. Be sure to physically inspect and clean everything, use plastic bags to transport items from room to room, vacuum thoroughly and discard the vacuum bag.
  • Eliminate bed bug habitats. As stated above, removing clutter is important. It’s also important to caulk any cracks or crevices in baseboards, repair wallboard damage, and check electrical outlets and wall switches for evidence of bed bugs.
• Call a professional. Calling a professional is probably the best practice considering consumer pesticides are typically ineffective. Sometimes professionals use steam cleaning or heat treatments that could take up to eight hours.