Do Bed Bugs Carry Disease?

Bed bugs are small, brownish parasitic insects that feed on human blood. Unfortunately, they have established themselves as common pests in our homes, schools and other premises. As if this wasn’t enough, one of the main questions that people ask is: do bed bugs carry and transmit diseases?

A large number of studies have been carried out in order to answer this question and the good news is that bed bugs are considered to be medically harmless. But, just to be sure, let’s take a look to the following points:

Diseases Caused by Bed Bugs

Unfortunately, some individuals may suffer different pathologies due to the presence of bed bugs and these can be characterized as:

Allergic Reactions – These are the most common. They can vary in intensity and can even cause secondary infections.

Inflammation and Irritation – People who are sensitive to bed bug saliva or to their bites can suffer from inflammation and skin irritation.

Psychological Disorders – Bugs in the home can cause sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.

Are Bed Bugs Disease Carriers?

In spite of all the previous risks, none of the existing studies show that bed bugs can transmit diseases or sickness. This means that bed bugs are not vectors for diseases and cannot transmit them to humans. However, this does not imply that there is no risk associated with bed bugs.

Recently, some American researchers have discovered that bed bugs can be carriers of five bacteria – all of them pathogenic. Therefore, they concluded that bed bugs could act as carriers and transmitters of diseases.

Final Word

To wrap it up, the answer to the question: do bed bugs carry and transmit diseases? Is no. Bed bugs do not transmit any known diseases to humans, however their presence can still cause other adverse reactions. Therefore, if you have a bed bug infestation take immediate action and ensure the safety of yourself and your home.