How you get bed bugs? How they infest your home and what you can do. – USA TODAY

A common phrase is, Sleep tight. Dont let the bed bugs bite! But what are bed bugs and how do you get them? Bed bugs are oval-shaped insects that are about 5 millimeters long as adults. They come out at night and cant fly, though they can crawl very quickly.

Bed bugs feed on human blood which causes itchy bites. Outside of bites, signs you have bed bugs are live bugs themselves, shell casings, fecal spots, eggs, bloodstains on sheets and an unusual, musty odor, according to M&M Pest Control in Long Island City, New York.

Bed bugs can travel quickly and have an ability to latch onto furniture and other items. They can be brought into the home from places where people are dormant for periods of time, like bus seats, airplanesor theater cushions, etc. They can sneak into your home through purses and luggage as well.Once they are in the home, they can hide in bedroom furniture such as a mattress, box spring and bed frame.

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Here is how to get rid of bed bugs at home, according to WebMD.

Though these tips can stave off bed bugs, it is best to use chemicals to exterminate bed bugs. For the best results, WebMD suggests hiringan exterminator with experience dealing with the pests.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a detailed version of home remedies to get rid of bed bugs.

Although they can be annoying, bed bugs bites are not something to fret over. Theyre not contagious and dont carry diseases.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends treating them by washing gently with soap and water, then applying an anti-itch product to the bites (like hydrocortisone 1%). But, you shouldnt use it on your face.

If the bites itch, apply the product one to two times daily. If the itching is more persistent,your doctor might be able to prescribe you a stronger cream or advise you to take a different medication.

While scratching is tempting, the Cleveland Clinic also advises to not scratch your bites because it can cause skin tears or infections.

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Bed bugs cannot live in your hair.

According to ABC Home & Commercial Services, located in Central Florida, Texas and Oklahoma, bed bugs are attracted to bare skin and aremorelikely to bite you on your face or neck.

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How you get bed bugs? How they infest your home and what you can do. - USA TODAY