Bed bug infestations are no fun for anyone, but they can be especially tough on your children.
Babies and young toddlers are especially at risk to being bitten in a bed bug infestation given that they tend to sleep in multiple environments, and are exposed to more potential bed bug habitats.
While a bed bug bite effects children no differently than adults, babies and toddlers are more prone to scratching, putting them at greater risk of contracting a secondary infection.
Bed bug bites resemble mosquito bites and are found in straight line or zig-zag patterns on the skin; however, bites on children who have eczema may present as a more generalized, red rash than a uniform pattern and will result in severe itching and potential for secondary infection.
At Bed Bug Heat Exterminator we have trained bed bug dogs who can detect if bed bugs are indeed present within your home.
If you find a bed bug infestation in your home and have small children, keeping their nails clipped short can help prevent the skin from breaking when they scratch.
Having bed bugs can also cause anxiety and sleep-loss in children.
In rare cases, bed bug bites can cause severe allergic reactions that affect breathing. If this becomes the case, emergency medical care should be sought immediately.
It is extremely rare for a bed bug to transmit a disease through its bite.
However, a recent study out of the University of Pennsylvania found that bed bugs can transmit the Tyrpanosoma cruzi parasite through their excrement.
This parasite causes Chagas disease, which can be life threatening.
If you have children and bed bugs in your home, it is important to notify your children’s school as soon as possible so that the school can take precautions to prevent further spread in the community.
Because bed bugs primary environment is the sleeping area, it’s important that children, especially younger children who still have a designated nap time, do not bring any items from home, such as pillows, blankets or stuffed animals, to the school or daycare setting.
Schools cannot exclude a child because there are bed bugs in the home, though they make take extra precautions, such as isolating belongings or bags in sealed containers to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
If you think you may have bed bugs, don’t wait! Call the bed bug exterminators today at Allphase!
>>If you become a victim of a bed bug infestation then contact the team at Allphase for the fastest, safest, and most effective solution. We offer heat treatment bed bug extermination for homes in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Toronto.
