What should you do if bedbugs bite at night? - briefly
Clean the bites with mild soap, then apply an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to ease itching; immediately wash bedding in hot water, vacuum the mattress, and encase or seal infested items for professional extermination.
What should you do if bedbugs bite at night? - in detail
If you notice bites from bedbugs during the night, begin by cleaning the affected skin. Gently wash the area with mild soap and cool water to remove any irritants. Apply an over‑the‑counter antihistamine or a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling; follow the product instructions for dosage.
Next, isolate the source of the insects. Inspect the mattress, box spring, and surrounding furniture for live bugs, shed skins, or dark spots of feces. Use a flashlight to examine seams, folds, and mattress tags. Remove and launder all bedding, clothing, and curtains in hot water (at least 60 °C/140 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Place items that cannot be washed in sealed plastic bags for several weeks to starve any hidden insects.
Apply a targeted treatment to the sleeping area. Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and floor thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed container. Consider using a bedbug‑specific spray or dust labeled for residential use, applying it to cracks, crevices, and the edges of the mattress. Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and keep the area unoccupied for the recommended time.
Monitor the situation for several days. Check the skin for new bites and re‑inspect the sleeping environment daily. If bites persist, spread, or become infected—signs include increasing redness, pus, or fever—seek medical advice promptly. A healthcare professional may prescribe stronger antihistamines, antibiotics, or other treatments.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation. Encase the mattress and box spring in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers and keep them sealed. Reduce clutter around the bed, seal cracks in walls or baseboards, and regularly wash linens. If the problem escalates despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑control service for comprehensive eradication.