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Can I prevent getting bed bugs?

Bed bugs can enter a person's home in luggage or on clothes after travelling or visiting a place that has an infestation. They can also sometimes enter a home on second-hand clothes or soft furnishings such as sofas and mattresses. Checking these types of items carefully before bringing them into your home may help to prevent a bed bug infestation.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies that grow to about half a centimeter long. They can live in a range of environments, preferring dark locations. They are called bed bugs because they are …

Do bed bugs spread disease?

Despite being blood-feeding insects, bed bugs are not known to spread any diseases to humans.

Are bed bugs found in Australia?

Yes, there are two different species of bed bugs in Australia. These are the common bed bug (Cimex lectularis) and the tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus).

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

Sometimes, the only signs of an infestation are red, itchy red bumps on the skin caused by bed bug bites. They can occur on any exposed part of the body; the face, neck, arms and hands are most commonly affected. The bites can appear within …

How are bed bug bites treated?

Medical treatment is usually not needed for bed bug bites. Taking care not to scratch bites may prevent further damage to the skin and avoid infection. An over-the-counter antihistamine tablet or cream may help to relieve itching from bites. Corticosteroid …

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Some common steps to manage a bed bug infestation include: washing bedding and other soft furnishings in hot water and drying them in a clothes dryer on a hot setting, vacuuming mattresses, sofas and places bed bugs may hide, and steam-cleaning carpets. In …

How can I tell if my bite marks are from bed bugs?

One way to tell if a bite is from a bed bug or another biting insect is to check your home for bugs and collect a sample. Bed bugs may be easier to detect at night when they are most active. They typically hide in bedding and mattresses.

Do bed bugs live on the skin?

No, bed bugs do not live on a person's skin. They may sometimes travel on a person's clothes, but generally only come on to a person's skin to feed.

Where do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs can live in a range of locations, preferring dark places such as mattresses, bedding and cracks and crevices of bedroom furniture.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 19 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 685 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Scabies

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