Can Bed Bug Treatment Make You Sick

Can bed bug treatment make you sick? While there's no definitive answer, it is possible to become ill from a bed bug infestation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to bed bugs can cause skin rashes, allergic symptoms, and psychological effects. However, the CDC also states that "the likelihood of health-related problems from bed bugs is low if they are not present in large numbers." The most common health concern associated with an infestation is itching caused by an allergic reaction to bed bug bites. In rare cases, some people have been diagnosed with infectious diseases transmitted by bed bugs, such as plague and tularemia.

Bed bug treatments involve using insecticides on your mattress and other furniture. While these products may be effective in eliminating the pests, long-term exposure to some of the ingredients could result in adverse reactions. For this reason, it's important to read product labels carefully so you understand what you are exposing yourself or others to when treating for bed bugs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends caution when using pesticide products on mattresses or other furniture due to potential risks of overuse or incorrect use.

Your best course of action for ensuring your safety during treatment for an infestation is preventing further spread. Enclosing your mattress in a protective cover can help stop additional bites and prevent further contamination of other areas like carpets and furniture too. If necessary, you can hire a professional exterminator who has experience safely handling insecticide treatments; their expertise will make the process much more effective and less hazardous than DIY methods without knowing how much chemical should be used or having proper equipment available.

Ultimately, consulting with a medical professional can provide important advice regarding any risks associated with treating an infestation and whether getting rid of the current mattress might be prudent given its condition and level of contamination due to the presence of bed bugs or related allergens such as dust mites that may still remain despite thorough extermination efforts.