Every body knows about bed bugs. These irritating biting pests have always been a cause of itching and causing disturb while you are sleeping. But today, these slimy pests are making there presence felt in the most unlikely of places and in the most unlikely of ways. So, they are present around every where right from apartments, offices and even hotels as well as other lodging establishments. As it is, these little creatures may also pose health problems as well. It is due to this reason; it is always advisable to know about these creatures, in order to save you from them.

Now, it must be known to you, that these bugs need blood for reproducing as well as completing their life cycle. For this they suck your blood, to address their requirements. While different people may be faced with different problems on being bitten by these creatures, but the appearance of itching red welts is a common sign of getting bitten by bed bugs. As it is, the bites are not painful themselves and typically a person would not feel it, while he is bitten by it. However, after sometimes, the area of infest begins to itch and causes irritation. Children can be affected in a worse fashion and can fall prey to significant blood loss.

Not just that, these bugs have been found to act as the carrier of more that twenty five agents of human diseases, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, as well as parasitic worms. As a matter of fact, this can be a major area of concern. Apart from that, these bugs have not been believed to be a carrier of any major disease agent, such as hepatitis B or HIV.

There are a number of species of bed bugs in the world, such as Cimex lectularius, which is a common species in America, and is known by several different names, such as mahogany flat, redcoat, wall louse or bed louse. Another species, known as Cimex hemipterus, has been present in the tropical regions, whereas, Leptocimex boueti, lives with as well as feeds on the humans in West Africa. It has also been known to infest bats as well.

However, the public health risks pertaining to these pests are not of epidemic proportions. One of the common results of the bites has been itching along with swelling of the affected area on the skin. However, you can get rid of both the itching as well as swelling, by applying a number of ointments which are available in the market.

Tags: bed bugs, biting pests, public health