What should I do if bedbugs bite me in my sleep? - briefly
Clean the bites with mild soap and water, then apply an anti‑itch or antihistamine cream to reduce irritation. Immediately inspect bedding and furniture for signs of infestation and initiate professional pest control or a thorough heat‑treatment protocol to eliminate the insects.
What should I do if bedbugs bite me in my sleep? - in detail
If you wake up with red, itchy welts that are likely caused by bed‑bugs, act promptly.
First, treat the skin. Clean the affected areas with mild soap and water, then apply an over‑the‑counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and inflammation. If the reaction spreads, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention.
Second, isolate and launder the sleeping environment. Remove all bedding, clothing, and fabrics that touched the bed. Wash them in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be machine‑washed, place them in a sealed plastic bag for several weeks to starve any hidden insects.
Third, inspect the sleeping area. Examine the mattress seams, box‑spring, headboard, and surrounding furniture for live bugs, shed skins, or dark spotting (fecal stains). Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to dislodge any insects you find. Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and nearby floor thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container.
Fourth, eradicate the infestation. Apply a certified insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to cracks, crevices, and baseboards, following the product instructions precisely. Consider steam‑treating the mattress and furniture at temperatures above 50 °C, which kills all life stages on contact. For severe cases, professional pest‑control services are recommended; they can employ heat‑treatment chambers or fumigation to ensure complete removal.
Fifth, prevent re‑infestation. Encase the mattress and box‑spring in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers and keep them sealed. Reduce clutter around the bed, repair cracks in walls or flooring, and install protective barriers on furniture legs. When traveling, inspect hotel beds, keep luggage off the floor, and launder clothing immediately upon return.
Finally, monitor the situation. Check the skin daily for new bites and continue cleaning and vacuuming the bedroom weekly for at least two months. Early detection of any resurgence allows swift intervention before the problem escalates.