Bed Bugs in Cribs? Oh Know ! It's Scary But Important

“Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” This adorable little nursery rhyme is used by many parents as part of a tuck-in routine for their children—it was never meant as an actual warning. If the image of these nasty nocturnal nuisances crawling all over your newborn baby is freaking you out, here are some handy tips on how to deal with bed bugs in cribs.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They hide in mattresses, bedding, and box springs, as well as
furniture, wall crevices, and rugs. Bed bug infestations are extremely common and can be found almost anywhere, from upscale homes to homeless shelters and many public buildings, including hotels, shopping centres, and schools.

What Colour Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects, which means that they are at their most active during the night when humans are sleeping. Because of this, they are difficult to spot during the day.

Bed bugs are reddish-brown, and adults are about the size of an apple seed. Their flat bodies can squeeze into the smallest cracks and crevices, helping them to remain hidden, while also making it improbable that even the most diligent cleaning routine would reach their hiding places.

Although they cannot fly, bed bugs are highly mobile. They may take refuge in clothing, luggage, and second-hand furniture, allowing them to spread rapidly, and leading to new infestations.

What are the signs of bed bugs in cribs?

Insect bites are normally one of the first signs of bed bugs in cribs. Bed bug bites appear in clusters or a line formation and can be found on the exposed parts of your newborn’s body—arms, legs, chest, and face.

If you are worried about any red bumps on your infant, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection of their room. Check your baby’s crib, carefully examining the bedding and mattress. Also, look for insect droppings, crushed bugs, or blood stains on the sheets and mattress.

You may also spot small, translucent shells, cast off by the bed bugs as they mature and grow.

In addition to these visual clues, bed bugs produce a musty odour, resulting from their pheromones. This is often compared to the smell of wet laundry, mildew, or a damp basement.

If you notice any of these warning signs, take immediate action, as an infestation can worsen rapidly.

Can bed bug bites harm my baby?

The good news is that bed bug bites don’t cause disease, but they can get itchy and extremely uncomfortable for your baby. And if your infant vigorously scratches the area and breaks the skin, they could be at risk for bacterial infection. So, make sure to keep your baby’s nails trimmed short.

The stress of bed bugs may also lead to sleep disturbances for your baby, and for yourself as a concerned parent. This reduction in sleep quality may impact your baby’s mood, feeding patterns, and development. Because of this, it’s vital that you address the issue as soon as possible.

How do I treat bed bug bites?

If your baby has been bitten by bed bugs, clean the area with soapy water. Calamine lotion or aloe vera are also good at helping to reduce itchiness. If the skin has been broken, you’ll want to bring your infant to a pediatrician to get some prescription cream.

Avoid over-the-counter creams and ointments, which may not be safe for use on infants. Irritated skin may also be soothed by the application of a cool compress.

Keep your baby comfortable while monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness and swelling.

Be prepared for consistent treatments. You may need to call the pest control pros and expect more than 1 visit to rid your baby room and home of bed bugs. Source

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are hard to track down, and even harder to get rid of. It is going to take some diligence on your part to effectively remove these elusive insects from your baby’s room. Here are some bug-busting methods to help keep pests away from your bundle of joy.

Wash your infant’s clothes and bedding in hot water and dry
them at the highest setting.
Scrub furniture to remove eggs
Vacuum the nursery
Wash the curtains in the nursery every week
Get rid of rugs in your baby’s room
Inspect the baby’s room for any signs of bed bugs (blood or fecal
stains, translucent shells, eggs, and dead insects)
Regularly clean your infant’s crib

** The pest control pros recommend inspecting the crib frame for signs of droppings, specifically the darker, areas that are not painted or stained, as bed bugs are attracted to dark and need texture for a grip. They usually don’t pick the mattress for their harbourage areas in cribs. Additionally, the uses of small traps can be placed under the legs can prevent infestation from occurring and give piece of mind at the same time.

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Your baby’s crib frame should be carefully inspected for signs of droppings, particularly in darker areas that have not been stained or painted. Bed bugs are drawn to darker areas and unpainted sections may provide the texture they need to grip. You may also consider using small traps, placed under the legs.

A high-quality mattress encasement designed to keep bed bugs out may help to prevent the start of an infestation by sealing tightly around the crib mattress. This type of encasement is designed to seal tightly against the crib mattress, making an impenetrable barrier that keeps bed bugs from establishing a hiding spot.

* Be sure to check that the encasement is labelled bed bug proof and inspect it regularly for damage such as small tears, or excessive wear.

Portable heat chambers are available for purchase and can be used to kill bed bugs by heating items to a temperature above which beg bugs, and their eggs can survive. They may be used on items such as toys, blankets, and other nursery essentials, but it is important to ensure safety by always following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Are Bed Bugs in Vancouver? And the Lower Mainland?

Bed bugs are more common than you think. View the Bed Bug Registry to learn the history of your building.

If your bed bug infestation is too much to handle on your own, and understandable if you find them in the cribs, it is always a good idea to have a licensed pest control provider inspect and destroy bed bugs.

As a new parent, the thought of any harm coming to your little one is enough to keep you up at night. Vacumming regularly can help deter bed bugs from entering cribs but if you have them you will need extra support from the pros. So, don’t let you and your precious baby become a bed-bug buffet. Taking a proactive approach to pest control will help keep you and your family safe from these nasty insects.

For fast and effective bed bug removal, contact Solutions Pest Control today!

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