Bed bugs and kids: A guide for parents – CHOC

First, don’t panic, Bed bugs are common and are not harmful.

An unwelcome and unfortunate souvenir from summertime travel could be bed bugs. Don’t get itchy yet: Here, a CHOC pediatrician offers tips to prevent the spread, what to look for and how to treat bites, if necessary.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that bite human skin and cause itchy and irritated skin, says Dr. Katherine Williamson, a CHOC pediatrician. Like mosquitos, they bite to feed on human blood. But unlike mosquitos, bed bugs do not spread disease.

“However, they are very annoying!” says Dr. Williamson.

How do I know I have bed bugs?

Bed bugs are reddish-brown about the size of an apple seed, Dr. Williamson says. They are commonly found along mattress edges and bed frames, but also in electrical outlets, carpet edges and books. Bed bugs also leave rust-colored spots from crushed bugs, black spots from insect feces, or specks of blood. These remnants are usually found in sheets, folds in bedding and wall paper edges.   

How are bed bugs introduced into a home, especially one with little kids?

Bed bugs hide in belongings and clothing and can survive up to six months without feeding on a human host. So, any shared clothes, linens and stuffed animals could be an opportunity for bed bugs to spread from one household to another, Dr. Williamson cautions.

They can also travel on furniture and luggage and can be seen in places with high guest turnover, such as hotels and dorm rooms.

Can bed bugs make kids sick?

The only health impact from bed bugs is that they cause itchy bites. They do not spread disease, reassures Dr. Williamson. However, if children are itching in the night and daytime, this can disrupt their sleep, play and focus at school. In addition, any skin area that is scratched enough could cause an open sore and infection risk if the itch is not relieved.

What are the signs and symptoms of bed bug bites?

Bed bug bites cause itchy red bumps in areas of skin that are exposed at nighttime, such as the face, neck, arms and hands, she says. Often the bites will appear in a row and have a tiny red dot in the middle.  

Bed bug bites can look similar to mosquito and other insect bites, so parents should look for signs of the bugs themselves.  

How do I treat my child’s bed bug bites?

Dr. Williamson advises to focus on reducing the itch and prevent scratching. Not only is the itch irritating, but intense itching can cause an open sore.  Find relief by trying calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream such as topical hydrocortisone, both of which are available over the counter. Ice packs and cool baths can also help relieve itching. Bites usually clear up in one to two weeks.

How can I prevent getting bed bugs while traveling?

To prevent bringing home bed bugs, first do an inspection when you arrive at your destination of travel just as you would if you were checking for bed bugs at home, Dr. Williamson advises. Check the headboards and mattress edges. If possible, place your luggage on a dresser or table instead of the floor, and hang your clothes rather than putting them in a drawer.

When you get home, check your luggage for signs of bed bugs and unpack your clothes from your luggage directly into the washing machine. If you are unable to wash your clothes when you return home, put them in a sealed plastic bag until you are able to wash them. Be sure to wash on the warmest setting.

How can I prevent kids from bringing bed bugs home from school?

“First, don’t panic,” says Dr. Williamson. “Bed bugs are common and are not harmful.”

Next, educate your child and family about bed bugs and what to look for, from skin bites to crevices in their rooms, so that you can monitor bed bugs as a family team. Remind kids it is best not to share hats, sweaters and other clothes items if they don’t want to get itchy bugs in their beds.

Then check all items coming into the home where bed bugs might hide – like backpacks and lunchboxes, for example. Wash your child’s clothes and backpack that has been in a school setting. Last, make sure your home is a less ideal place for bed bugs to hide. Seal cracks. Pick up clutter that might make for good hiding spaces.

Backpacks and other items are best stored outside of the bedroom and away from areas with lots of crevices for bed bugs to hide, such as the couch or sofa chair. Ideal locations are closets, washrooms or the garage, if away from clothes and bedding, Dr. Williamson says.

What are natural ways to prevent or remove bed bugs?

For prevention, the most important thing is to be informed so you know what to look for should you find bed bugs in your home. Early detection makes it easier to get them out of the home. In addition to the smart travel tips, you can consider covering unused mattresses and box springs in your home with plastic protective covers. Reducing clutter and vacuuming frequently also help to reduce the risk of bed bug infestation.

For treatment, start with encasing the mattress, pillow and bed frame where the bed bugs were found. Look online or in stores for encasements marketed for bed bug or allergy control. Then vacuum the entire home. Pick up any clutter. Vacuum in cracks and crevices and fill in the gaps where you can.  You can vacuum some talcum powder to reduce the risk that bed bugs will crawl out of the vacuum. Dispose the vacuum cleaner filter and bags in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Wash all bedding and clothes with hot water and dry on hot. For complete treatment of bed bugs from the home, call a professional exterminator and do not apply chemicals to your home yourself.

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