Bed bugs deserve their reputation as one of the most invasive pests around. After hitching a ride into our homes, they burrow into our furniture, baseboards, and flooring. While replacing these items can be quite expensive, these pests’ habit of lying in wait in our mattresses, box springs, and bed frames seems to disturb us more than anything. The bed bug removal experts at McCall Service, serving customers in Florida, explain the surprising psychological impact these insects can have.
Bed Bug Bites, Insomnia, and Your Health
While bed bug bites cause itchy red spots on the skin and, sometimes, minor allergic reactions, they don’t pose as much of an immediate physical threat as some pests. However, an infestation can trigger psychological responses that cause insomnia. Difficulty sleeping can result in impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and brain fog. Prolonged periods of poor sleep are associated with higher risks of depression, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart attack.
Psychological Symptoms of Bed Bug Infestations
Those who have experienced bed bug infestations can suffer from a range of psychological issues. The idea that these pests feed on us while we’re most vulnerable – during sleep – can trigger these and other emotional and mental responses:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance behaviors
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance behaviors
These reactions can be similar to what those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, go through.
Other Types of Responses
Although a bed bug infestation can occur anywhere, including the cleanest of homes in the most upscale neighborhoods, some homeowners or renters are ashamed or embarrassed. In their attempts to get rid of bed bugs or prevent them from returning, some victims use dangerous chemicals or heat treatments that should only be attempted by professionals trained in bed bug removal techniques.
If you’ve experienced an infestation in your house, condo or apartment, rest assured there is no reason to be embarrassed. Don’t take matters into your own hands; instead, rely on local pest control experts for safe, effective bed bug removal. McCall Service is a family-owned and -operated company serving residential and commercial customers in Florida. Contact us today so we can make bed bugs a thing of the past and help you feel comfortable in your home again.
