What Are the Dangers of Bed Bugs?

If there’s one thing you should know, it’s that bed bugs are much more than just a minor nuisance. Despite their small size, these pests can have a huge impact. And as you can imagine, it’s not a positive one. From the health problems they can cause to the financial toll of infestations, the dangers of bed bugs are real. 

Understanding the threat these tiny terrors pose to your household is important. Knowing how they can affect you and your family makes you more likely to take bed bugs seriously. Rather than let an infestation get out of control, you can take action fast and minimize the impact.

How the Dangers of Bed Bugs Differ from Other Pests

Bed bugs aren’t the only type of pest you may encounter. However, they bring unique risks and challenges that distinguish them from other unwelcome critters. That’s why it’s worth comparing the dangers of bed bugs to other pests commonly found in or around the home.

Bed Bugs vs. Ticks

Both bed bugs and ticks feed on the blood of living hosts. But the possible consequences of their bites are very different. According to the EPA, bed bugs haven’t been shown to transmit diseases. Ticks, on the other hand, can spread several kinds, including Lyme disease. 

Bed Bugs vs. Termites

Unlike bed bugs, termites don’t rely on blood for nourishment. Instead, they eat wood and plant fiber. In that sense, the dangers of bed bugs can affect you directly, whereas the dangers of termites can affect you indirectly. If a colony of termites invades your home, they can cause structural damage.

Bed Bugs vs. Cockroaches

Both cockroaches and bed bugs can trigger allergic reactions. However, cockroaches don’t feed on humans directly like bed bugs do. Yet, cockroaches are known carriers of diseases and can spread bacteria, unlike bed bugs.

Bed Bugs vs. Fleas 

As with bed bugs, fleas survive by feeding on blood. The difference is that fleas tend to prefer four-legged members of the household. Further, fleas can spread diseases like typhus. 

Bed Bugs vs. Ants

Both bed bugs and ants can bite you, causing an allergic reaction. However, ant bites are typically less painful and concerning than bed bug bites. That said, ants can contaminate food in your kitchen and spread bacteria.

Related: How Do Bed Bugs Travel?

3 Dangers of Bed Bugs to Keep in Mind

Bed bugs have plagued humanity since ancient Rome! So, it’s crucial not to underestimate these tiny nocturnal creatures. Here are 3 dangers of bed bugs you should be aware of…

1. Physical and Mental Health Effects

Although bed bugs don’t spread diseases like some other bloodsucking pests, they can still affect your health. And it’s not just physical. These creatures can have a negative impact on your overall wellness in several ways. 

• Sleep disturbance

As bed bugs feed at night, it’s no surprise that they can disturb your sleep. Constant itching from bed bug bites can leave you tossing and turning. Plus, simply knowing your home is filled with these critters can keep you up at night. Studies have shown that bed bug infestations can reduce the quantity and quality of sleep. And the lack of proper rest can affect your daily life.   

• Anxiety and depression

The dangers of bed bugs also extend to issues like anxiety and depression. An infestation can take an emotional toll on anyone, especially those in a vulnerable state already. The stress of dealing with an infestation, the fear it brings, and the hit to your self-image—all of these things can culminate in a mental health crisis.

• Allergic reactions

Bed bug bites are one of the primary indicators of a bed bug infestation, but not everyone reacts the same way. Some people can suffer an allergic reaction, including large, painful swelling at the bite site or hives. And in extreme cases, the victim may even experience anaphylaxis.  

• Infections from scratching

Bed bug bites itch, which leads to scratching. The problem is that excessive scratching can damage the skin and leave it vulnerable to germs and bacteria. Untreated bites that are scratched open can lead to infections, such as impetigo. 

2. Financial Consequences

Bed bugs are dangerous not only to your health but also to your well-being. And that includes your financial stability. Dealing with an infestation can be an expensive ordeal and cause economic stress for your family.  

• Cost of extermination

Bed bug treatment is best left to the professionals. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay more to get the job done correctly. Although there are different types of bed bug treatments with different price tags, you’ll likely pay several hundred dollars to eradicate the pests. 

• Replacement of damaged items

Though bed bugs don’t cause as much destruction as some pests (like termites), they can cause some. These insects can leave spots of blood and feces on fabrics, which can be challenging to clean. You may have to replace furnishings and linens that are permanently damaged.  

• Loss of income

Although loss of income tends to affect properties more than individuals, it’s still a concern. If your home is infested, you may opt out of going to work or be asked to stay home. And if you do go, you may be operating on very little sleep, affecting your performance. Ultimately, bed bugs could cause your paycheck to take a hit. 

3. Social Repercussions

One of the most overlooked dangers of bed bugs is how they can affect you socially. Having your home invaded by these pests can change the way people view you—and the way you view yourself. This can be incredibly damaging, especially if you’re usually an outgoing person who’s active in the community. 

• Social stigma

There’s a certain stigma attached to bed bugs. Many assume (wrongly) that people with bed bugs have poor hygiene and live in unclean conditions. On top of that, they’re wary of being around anyone whose home is infested, afraid they’ll get bed bugs, too. As a result, you could be avoided by people you’d typically interact with. 

• Self-imposed isolation

It’s not uncommon for bed bug sufferers to isolate themselves. Sometimes, it’s because they’re ashamed, don’t want to risk infecting others, or both. You may even be afraid to seek help or share your situation with other people. This kind of self-imposed isolation can also harm your mental health. 

• Strained relationships

Piggybacking off the points above, bed bugs can also strain relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. The fear of spreading can lead to uncomfortable interactions and even fights. Even if you don’t distance yourself from others, you may not be invited to social gatherings.  

Takeaway

Before, you may have considered bed bugs more annoying than harmful. But now you should be able to see they’re a real threat to you, your family, and your way of life. With your new understanding of the dangers of bed bugs, you can start prioritizing early detection and prevention. 

Remember—if you do spot a bed bug in your home, it’s not the end of the world. Calling a professional exterminator immediately can minimize the impact on your household. And with bed bug prep services and laundry treatments from Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, you can ensure complete eradication from your Northeast Wisconsin home! We serve the areas of Oshkosh, Fond Du Lac, Sheboygan, Appleton, and Green Bay.

Related: What Attracts Bed Bugs?